Cutaneous mercury deposits after henna dye application in the arm

Abstract

Conflicts of interest: none declared. Sir, Henna is used to prepare hair and body dyes. It is obtained from dried leaves which are powdered and mixed with oil or water.1 Application of temporary henna tattoos is popular in holiday resorts of the Mediterranean area among young people. However, this application may be accompanied by topical or systematic complications. Allergic contact dermatitis resulting from henna tattoo mixtures has been already reported, but there have been no reports concerning the effects of heavy metals, such as mercury, on granuloma formation and cutaneous abscess after henna tattoo application. Herein we describe a case of cutaneous mercury deposit after the application of henna dye containing red pigment and we discuss its diagnosis and proper management. A 13‐year‐old boy presented to us with a painful cutaneous granuloma and abscess on the lateral aspect of his swollen arm (Fig. 1). From history‐taking the parent revealed an incident of hot water burn in this particular region of the arm. Initial physical examination showed a second‐degree burn with signs of inflammation. He was given oral antibiotics and painkillers. Care of the wound was done with occlusive dressings. The patient was discharged after a single day of hospitalization, to be re‐examined in a week. Upon re‐examination we concluded that the signs of inflammation had subsided but the cutaneous granulomas were still present.