Have any side effects or complications occurred from using magnets for pain? The kinds of magnets marketed to consumers are generally
considered to be safe when applied to the skin.7
Reports of side effects or complications have been rare. One study reported
that a small percentage of participants had bruising or redness on their
skin where a magnet was worn.33
Manufacturers often recommend that static magnets not
be used by the following people1:
- Pregnant women,
because the possible effects of magnets on the fetus are not known.
- People who use
a medical device such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, or insulin pump,
because magnets may affect the magnetically controlled features of such
devices.
- People who use
a patch that delivers medication through the skin, in case magnets cause
dilation of blood vessels, which could affect the delivery of the medicine.
This caution also applies to people with an acute sprain, inflammation,
infection, or wound.
There have been rare
cases of problems reported from the use of electromagnets. Because at
present these are being used mainly under the supervision of a health
care provider and/or in clinical trials, readers are advised to consult
their provider about any questions. |