A 17-year-old boy from Dong Nai had to be rushed to the hospital after following a fortune teller’s advice to remove his eyebrows to “improve his fate” at the beginning of the year. This case highlights the dangers of DIY beauty treatments without proper medical guidance.
The Problem Starts with Misplaced Beliefs
H.X.M., born in the Year of the Pig, recently visited a fortune teller with his mother for a New Year’s reading. According to the fortune teller, M. faced bad luck due to the star Tai Tuuei and his eyebrows growing too close together, covering the Yin Du region—believed to affect one’s official career and personal life. Concerned about M.’s future, especially as he prepared for important university exams, both mother and son decided to remove the hair between his eyebrows.
Initially, M. used a razor, but the hair grew back thicker and harder within days. His mother then purchased hair removal cream online, which caused severe itching and swelling across his face just 30 minutes after application. He was rushed to a hospital in Ho Chi Minh City for emergency care.
Boy hospitalized due to allergic reaction to hair removal cream (Photo: Hospital)
Dr. Phan Son Long, a dermatologist, explained that M. suffered from an allergic reaction to the chemicals in the hair removal cream. If not treated promptly or incorrectly, the infection could spread, causing deep tissue damage and permanent scarring. After receiving anti-allergy medication and topical creams to reduce swelling and itching, M.’s condition improved. He is now undergoing laser hair removal under the supervision of a doctor.
The Risks of Home Beauty Treatments
M.’s case is not unique. Many others have faced similar consequences by trusting unverified beauty methods or using products of unknown origin. For example, Mr. P.N.L., 33, living in Ho Chi Minh City, sought fortune-telling advice online after repeated business failures. He was told that moles near his eyes and nose brought him “bad luck.” Following this advice, he bought a mole-removal solution and applied it at home.
Immediately, he experienced severe burning sensations and swelling. Despite applying cold compresses, the situation worsened, forcing him to seek medical attention. Doctors found chemical burns on his nasal skin, leading to serious inflammation and redness. Proper treatment is crucial to prevent severe complications, including potential blindness.
Chemical burns from homemade mole removal solution (Photo: Hospital)
Health Experts’ Warnings
Health professionals warn that DIY cosmetic procedures can lead to severe risks. Facial skin is delicate and sensitive, easily irritated by strong chemicals. The area around the eyes and nose requires extra caution to avoid serious injuries.
There is no scientific evidence linking cosmetic changes to improved fate. Therefore, experts recommend choosing licensed medical facilities with experienced doctors to ensure maximum safety.
Community Health During the Tet Holiday
Statistics from the Health Department of Ho Chi Minh City show a significant decrease in emergency cases and traffic accidents during the recent Tet holiday compared to the same period last year. Specifically, the number of outpatient visits dropped by about 33%, while the number of inpatient admissions fell by 15%. No cases of food poisoning were reported, and there were no unusual signs of disease outbreaks.
This positive trend reflects the effectiveness of preventive measures and healthcare management during the festive season. However, health authorities continue to closely monitor community health as people return to their normal routines after the long break.
Conclusion
These stories serve as valuable lessons about the dangers of DIY beauty treatments motivated by superstitions. Before pursuing any cosmetic procedure, thoroughly research and prioritize reputable medical facilities to avoid regrettable outcomes. Don’t let blind faith in superstitions put you in harm’s way!
Source: dantri.com.vn
