Simone Machado

Amanda Munaretti Selbach, who is severely allergic to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, experienced life-threatening throat swelling during both of her cesarean deliveries despite warning medical staff. After doctors recommended a visible medical alert tattoo listing medications she must avoid and those she can use, she had it placed on her arm in 2018 to ensure emergency responders could identify her allergies if she became unconscious. Emergency specialists say such tattoos can assist initial assessment, especially when placed on the arm, but they should complement other safeguards such as medical-alert jewelry, phone records and wallet cards. Dermatologists warn that tattooing also carries risks including infection, allergic reactions, keloids and blood-borne diseases if hygiene standards are not followed.