Cosmetic lip tattoos have become a trend among young Vietnamese people, but many ignore the health risks.
It takes them just five minutes to have special lips with different patterns such as rainbow, leopard skin or squares.
Much of the equipment used for cosmetic tattooing is not of clear origin, and is offered at a very cheap price.
Lip tattoos, are often made using decals of leopard skin or rainbows, are quite cheap, at only VND10,000-15,000 (USD0.47-0.71). Advertisements for lip tattoo services are all over the internet, on the streets and in front of school gates.
These tattoos not only attract girls but also boys. Mai Linh, 15 years old, in Dong Da District, Hanoi said, “I used lip tattoo decals during the past Halloween festival. I like them very much and my friends do too.”
“We often buy Chinese lip tattoos at the night market for just VND15,000-20,000 and use them in the evening. We removed them before returning home so that our parents don't see.”
Health hazards
Hao, a student in Hanoi, said initially she was very interested in using a leopard skin lip tattoos. Four days later, she developed an itch on her lips. After using the chemical to wash it off, her lips suddenly broke out into a rash and then became swollen. Doctors concluded that she was allergic to the chemical sold with the tattoo.
According to doctors at Hanoi Dermatology and Venerlogy Hospital, they have received numerous patients with the same problem of being allergic to lip tattoos.
A patient who is allergic to the chemical sold with the tattoo
Another dermatologist from Bach Mai Hospital said that other patients can show symptoms directly from the in in the tattoos. He advised such patients to go to a dermatological clinic for a check-up.
Many young Vietnamese consider lip tattooing as the latest trend and mimic Korean pop singers in their looks, even though the tattoos themselves are not of clear origin.
