Abstract
Henna, an extract of the plant Lawsonia, has been used for centuries in many cultures, mainly as a dye for hair and nails as well as for decorative body painting. Para Phenylenediamine(PPD), a derivative of para-nitroaniline is widely used in hair dye formulations, in dyeing furs and in photochemical industries. It has also been used to intensify the color of henna and to accelerate the dyeing process. Accidental or deliberate ingestion of henna containing PPD has a high mortality rate (up to 31%) owing to rhabdomyolysis and renal failure. We report a case of systemic poisining with henna for suicidal intent. The characteristic features of intoxication are eczematous dermatidis, erytheme multiforme eruptions, angioneurotic edema, rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure.
Highlights
Henna, an extract of the plant Lawsonia, has been used for centuries in many cultures, mainly as a dye for hair and nails as well as for decorative body painting [1]
Local application of PPD in susceptible individuals may result in dermatitis, asthma, arthritis, lacrimation, exophthalmos or even permanant blindness when applied to the eyes [3]
In 1982 Chugh et al reported for the first time two patients who developed acute oliguric renal failure following PPD intoxication [10]
Summary
An extract of the plant Lawsonia, has been used for centuries in many cultures, mainly as a dye for hair and nails as well as for decorative body painting [1]. Oral ingestion of PPD results in severe edema of face, tongue, neck and laringeal edema with respiratory distress often requiring emergency tracheostomy [4]. Ingestion of lawsonia containing PPD has a high mortality rate (up to 31%) owing to rhabdomyolysis and renal failure [5]. We present a patient of systemic PPD poisoning with suicidal intent.
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