A girl in Quanzhou, Fujian Province, went to the hospital for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of her head due to dizziness. However, the scans showed a large metallic artifact on her face twice, causing abnormal imaging. It was later discovered by doctors that her makeup was causing the issue. The news quickly made headlines on November 29th, sparking discussions online.
According to reports from various media outlets such as “Xiaoxiang Morning News,” on the afternoon of November 21st, a girl named Xiaoya (pseudonym) from Quanzhou went to Fujian Medical University Union Hospital for a cranial MRI.
During the examination after removing all metal objects from her body, doctors noticed a significant metallic artifact on Xiaoya’s face during the first scan, causing abnormal imaging. After questioning whether she was wearing dentures or not, to which she replied negatively, doctors repeated the scan, but the same issue occurred again.
Upon asking if she had undergone any plastic surgery, receiving a negative response, doctors carefully observed Xiaoya’s face and noticed she was wearing light makeup. They suggested, “Why don’t you wash off your makeup and try again.”
After Xiaoya removed her makeup, the third scan proceeded smoothly without any abnormal imaging.
Xiaoya later revealed that she had used foundation and setting powder before coming to the hospital. The doctor speculated that the makeup products she used may have contained heavy metal elements, causing the abnormal results in the first two scans.
In response to this incident, Jiupai News cited an explanation from Vice Chief Technician Cai Donglu from the Radiology Department of Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, saying that some cosmetics, like eyeshadows, foundations, glittery makeup, may contain trace amounts of metal oxides or mineral components. These metal components can create artifacts in strong magnetic fields, affecting image quality and delaying disease diagnosis.
Not only cosmetics but also tattoo inks, eyebrow and lip tattoos commonly contain metal components such as iron oxide and chromium for color stability. These metal-containing pigments may cause localized temperature increases under radiofrequency pulses. Additionally, metal sequins in nail art, hair dye with metal dyes, and eyelash glue for false eyelashes can all become ‘interference sources’ for MRI examinations.
After the news was released, it sparked discussions among online users. Some warned against prolonged use of such cosmetics to avoid lead poisoning.
“Unizus” commented: “Color vibrancy and heavy metals are still related.”
“Pit Head Oreo” suggested: “Those cosmetics should be thrown away immediately.”
Netizen “Zoro’s Earrings” quipped: “Can MRI detect if cosmetics are safe? The cost seems too high, haha.”