It has been confirmed that three women who received 'vampire facials' at a medical spa in New Mexico have contracted HIV as a result of the treatment.
Vampire facials are a popular beauty treatment for those wanting to slow down the ageing process and target dull and lifeless skin.
During the treatment, also known as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), blood is extracted and separated in a centrifuge so that its plasma can be concentrated.
Then, it’s injected back into the skin to promote new collagen growth and reduce the signs of ageing.
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The Kardashians, as well as TV personality Ferne McCann and other celebrities, are said to be big fans of the rejuvenating facial.
However, people are now being warned against receiving the treatment at an unregulated clinic after three women in the US were infected with HIV.
An investigation by the Centre of Disease Control (CDC) has concluded that 'poor infection control practices' at the New Mexico medispa they attended in 2018 was likely the cause.
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According to the BBC, the investigation found unlabelled tubes of blood at VIP Beauty Salon and Spa and medical injectables were stored in a fridge alongside food.
'Unwrapped syringes' were also found scattered in drawers and on counters.
It is suspected that the women may have contracted the disease through the spa re-using needles or vials without sterilising them.
The medispa closed in 2018 after two cases of HIV were linked to it, and in 2022, its owner Maria Ramos de Ruiz pleaded guilty to five felony counts of practising medicine without a licence.
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Now, campaigners for regulation of the beauty industry in the UK have warned Brits seeking cheaper options from unregulated practitioners that they could be putting themselves at serious risk.
Patient safety advocate Dawn Knight told MailOnline that issues found at the New Mexico spa are 'all over the UK'.
"I've heard about needle sharing, about not disposing of partially used fillers to use them for a second time, dogs wandering around premises - all unsafe and unhygienic practices," she said.
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"Today in the UK anyone can practise aesthetics without training, without a qualification. If you are a non-health professional you aren't required in this country to even hold insurance for these treatments.
"These people don't understand the kind of damage they can do. The influence of social media and the ads that people are being fed, because you can even do these treatments on Klarna," she continued.
"There are no checks and balances whatsoever."
Bec Oakes