Risks of getting a red mole tattoo to 'change your luck' in the new year

Over 35 years old but her work and love life are not going well, Linh, from Hanoi, got a red mole tattoo hoping to 'change her luck'. A few days later, the tattooed area became infected and painful.

Earlier this month, Linh was introduced to a tattoo parlor in Dong Da district by an acquaintance. This person claimed that the spa was "popular and had 5-star reviews online." Here, the staff advised that tattooing moles in "feng shui" positions such as the chest and palms could improve one's fortune, bring luck, fortune, and love. The price was 199,000 VND, no pain, no swelling, no abstinence, and a lifetime warranty.

"After consulting, I was completely convinced and decided to get two tattoos on my chest and arm," Linh shared. But after only three days, the tattooed area began to ache and ooze a white fluid. Worried about complications, she went to the hospital for a check-up and was diagnosed with a mild infection that needed to be treated promptly to avoid necrosis.

Similarly, Quynh, 29, also sought out a mole tattoo service after failing in her love life. She was told to get a mole tattooed on the back of her hand to "bring good fortune and good luck". Believing the advertisement, she booked a tattoo as a way to "remove bad luck before the new year". A day later, the tattooed area was itchy and red. Tests at the hospital showed that the woman was allergic to the tattoo ink.

The closer Tet gets, the more people are interested in the service of tattooing red moles. Beauty salons continuously advertise with attractive offers such as "tattooing feng shui moles to change your luck", "tattooing red moles to help your work go smoothly", "tattooing moles to find a partner". Just type the keyword "feng shui moles" on social networks, hundreds of results appear with different prices, along with commitments such as refunds and lifetime warranties.

Ms. Huyen, owner of a tattoo shop in Hanoi, said the number of customers seeking feng shui mole tattoo services increased by about 20% at the end of the year. Most customers are between the ages of 25 and 45, wishing to improve their work, relationships, or simply wish for good luck.

According to Dr. Nguyen Phuong Thao, Department of Dermatology - Dermatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, red mole tattooing in Vietnam has appeared in recent years, mainly supported by young people. This trend originates from feng shui concepts and folk beliefs, when red moles (also known as vermillion moles) are considered a symbol of luck, fortune and prosperity. In Vietnamese culture, natural vermillion moles are often considered a sign of a "lucky" person, with many advantages in life.

With the development of the tattoo art industry, many people have chosen to tattoo red moles on their bodies to "increase luck" or create an aesthetic highlight. Common locations often chosen for tattoos are the forehead, corners of the eyes, lips, or palms, because according to feng shui, these locations can attract wealth and love.

Meanwhile, in the West, mole tattoos are often only for cosmetic purposes, unrelated to feng shui factors.

However, Ms. Thao believes that the notion that red moles bring luck and fortune has no scientific basis. Success in career or life depends on effort, skill, and luck, not on a mole on the body. Doctors warn that mole tattooing is an invasive procedure, with many potential risks if not performed properly or at unsanitary facilities.

This is an invasive procedure on the skin, if the tattooing tools are not cleaned properly or the facility does not ensure hygiene standards, it can cause infection at the tattoo site. Improperly sterilized tools can also increase the risk of contracting infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B, C, or skin diseases.

Tattoo ink, especially the ink used to tattoo vermillion moles, can cause allergic reactions or skin irritation. Some people may experience itching, redness, or swelling at the tattoo site. This can occur immediately or a few days after the tattoo. Cosmetic complications include fading of the ink, which can make the vermillion mole less clear, and uneven tattoo ink.

Sharing the same view, Dr. Cao Ngoc Duy, Deputy Head of the Department of Cosmetic Dentistry, Duc Giang General Hospital, Hanoi, said that mole tattooing is a simple, gentle procedure that does not affect many areas of the skin and is easy to perform, and is popular with many young people. Most customers do it at tattooing facilities, increasing by 15-20% near Tet. However, the notion that mole tattooing brings good luck is just word of mouth and has not been scientifically proven.

In addition, any invasive intervention procedure has the risk of harming health. The most serious complications when tattooing are shock, reaction to anesthesia... The hospital has received many people after tattooing moles with swelling and pain due to the tattoo needle penetrating too deep into the flesh under the skin. When the patient returned home, he did not know how to care for the wound, causing severe ulceration.

To ensure safety, you need to carefully research information and perform at reputable facilities. Consult a dermatologist before performing. Follow the instructions for post-tattoo care. Monitor and promptly handle abnormal signs such as redness, swelling, pus, itching, and burning.