Iron deficiency is common, but iron pills are hard to take - they cause stomach upset and constipation. Iron shots can be given, but if technique is bad, they stain tissue brown or even black (see link). These stains slowly go away as the body uses the iron, but are unsightly while they persist.

This property of iron could be used to advantage. I propose that folks whose iron intake does not meet their needs (for example - women with heavy menses) could have a cool tattoo done using iron as the pigment. This would look edgy and hip (as well done tattoos do), be billable to insurance as a health intervention, and would fade with time. When the tattoo had faded the woman would know that it was time for more iron - and maybe a cool, new tattoo!
-- bungston, Jun 26 2003

(?) Iron stains http://www.dermnetn...s/gpquiz1/q1/a.html
The principle demonstrated, sloppily. (Bad) Looking hip. [bungston, Oct 05 2004, last modified Oct 17 2004]

10 year tattoo http://www.halfbake.../10_20Year_20Tattoo
Perhaps the above idea is a means to this end? [bungston, Oct 05 2004, last modified Oct 17 2004]

Is this an iron-on tattoo?
-- thumbwax, Jun 26 2003


Just the fading tatoo part of this sounds like a good idea anyway.
-- Zipwow, Jun 26 2003


Include some Mercury and Chromium salts in the kit for more color. I want more than just moonlight scenes for an injection.
-- kbecker, Jun 26 2003


I absolutely LOOOOOOVE this idea. Makes me want to have an iron deficiency! ++++
-- Pericles, Jun 26 2003



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