Two women suffered from a life-threatening lung disease after getting microblading. The disease is systemic sarcoidosis, which is an autoimmune disease and can cause lumps to form in the lungs, making breathing difficult. This is the first case reported by doctors in Slovenia, where patients developed the deadly disease after undergoing a cosmetic treatment. Elaborating on the incident, doctors have questioned the practices of cosmetic clinics and called for better information to be given to clients about the potential risks.
Both 33-year-old women went to the doctor after noticing orange-red spots on their eyebrows. The first woman got microblading done about a year ago. Microblading is a tattoo technique that makes the eyebrows look thicker. This is a semi-permanent process. The other woman had microblading done six years ago, but these spots appeared after six years. After six biopsies, it was discovered that both women were suffering from sarcoidosis. A chest X-ray and scan also confirmed disease in his lungs and lymph nodes.
What is Sarcoidosis?
Sarcoidosis is a disease that causes the formation of granulomas (patches of inflamed tissue) in various parts of the body. In some cases, it is limited to the skin only and is known as cutaneous sarcoidosis. In most cases, it can spread to the lymph nodes and lungs and is known as systemic sarcoidosis. This disease can also affect the heart, brain and kidneys and can be fatal. Although its causes are unknown, experts say pesticides, irritants and fungi can trigger it.
What do researchers say?
Researchers say there is evidence that most people may be genetically susceptible to the disease. When this happens, the immune system becomes weak and starts attacking itself. Although there is no cure, its symptoms can be controlled with medicines. Researchers wrote about this in the Journal of Medical Case Reports and warned that in both cases, microblading itself could be the cause of the disease. Doctors also say that the ink used in the treatment can also trigger the disease.
Regarding the treatment, researchers say that initially the woman was given steroids for the first two years. During this period, his skin lesions cleared up and the inflammation in his lungs decreased. The second woman was also treated with steroids and found considerable relief within the first year of treatment.
Symptoms of Sarcoidosis
– skin rashes
– cough
-Red, painful eyes
– difficulty breathing
– Numbness of hands, feet and face
– swollen glands
-pain in bones and muscles
Doctors say patients are likely to feel lethargic and have a fever. They may also lose weight due to sweating at night.
