Human stitching poses risks, can be fatal

A new human embroidery craze, which sees people stitch patterns in their skin with a needle and thread, poses serious health risks and could be fatal, according to a top dermatologist.

Images have begun to circulate on social media of hands, arms and even lips stitched with cotton thread, ribbons and beads, leading to warnings from experts over the danger of self-harming among Chinese teenagers.

Wang Liuhui, director of dermatology at Fudan University Children's Hospital in Shanghai, said human embroidery could cause septicemia, which can be fatal.