Black Henna Research Articles

Black Henna Tattoo Can Cause a Severe Reaction in People

Black Henna Tattoo Can Cause a Severe Reaction in People

Insights into hair dye use and self-reported adverse skin reactions in the Dutch general population: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study.

Hair dyes are widely used in daily life. However, data on self-reported adverse skin reactions are scarce. To estimate the proportion of lifetime hair dye use and self-reported adverse skin reactions in the Dutch general population, and to investigate the association between (adverse skin reactions to) hair dye use and contact allergy-related factors. This cross-sectional study collected questionnaire-derived data from the Lifelines cohort. Logistic regression analyses were conducted between (adverse skin reactions to) hair dye use and black henna tattoo use, reactions to henna tattoos, patch testing, hand eczema and an occupation as hairdresser or beautician. The proportion of hair dye use was 63.1% of 70 987 participants, of which 6.8% experienced adverse skin reactions, mostly mild (77.7%). Hair dye users and those with skin reactions were both positively associated (p < 0.05) with female sex, middle-age, (positive) patch test results and hairdresser or beautician occupations. Hair dye users were more likely to have had henna tattoos, and those with reactions to hair dye were more likely to have had reactions to henna tattoos. Hair dye use is prevalent among the Dutch general population and frequently causes adverse skin reactions, especially in females who had black henna tattoos.

Henna Tattoo: From Cosmetic Purposes to Dermatological Reactions

Abstract Introduction: Henna, commonly used as a hair dye, is also used for temporary tattoos. It is commonly mixed with para-phenylenediamine (PPD) to enhance color intensity, which may induce cutaneous sensitization. Aim: This study aimed to describe the clinicodemographic features of patients with dermatological reactions to henna tattoos. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study, included patients with dermatological reactions to henna tattoos. All the patients were subjected to entire medical history including clinicodemographic data and general and dermatological examinations. Results: This study included 17 female patients with a mean age of 26.88 ± 6.6 years. Of these 17 patients; 41.2% were suburban residents, 58.8% were housewives, 70.6% were married, and 47.1% were middle socioeconomic class and 53% had type IV Fitzpatrick skin. All used black color and commercial henna for cosmetic purposes, 41.2% used market henna, and 35.3% used coiffeur henna. Many (70.6%) had localized reactions with 23.5% presenting with reaction of hands, 64.7% had acute eczematous reactions, and all had a progressive course. The mean duration of the reaction was 6.76 ± 2.6 days. The mean latency time of the reaction was 2.7 ± 0.85 days. Conclusion: This study concluded that public awareness of possible cutaneous reactions to henna tattoos should be increased. The health authority legislation should control the use of black henna to minimize the consequences.

Determination of Paraphenylenediamine in Hair Dyes Formulation Using Visible Spectroscopy

Paraphenylenediamine (PPD), which stands for para-phenylenediamine, is a substance commonly present in hair dyes and is a potent sensitizer and reported to have adverse effects, including skin rashes, allergies, etc. This research study introduces a newly developed and rigorously tested visible spectrophotometric technique for accurately measuring the quantity of PPD in hair dye products. The proposed method relies on a colorimetric reaction between PPD and Folin–Ciocalteu phenol (FC) reagent in the presence of sodium hydroxide (NaOH), which results in a PPD-Folin’s reagent complex that is blue in color. To create a standard calibration curve, various concentrations of PPD solutions within the range of 2 to 10 μg/mL, dissolved in 0.1N NaOH, were combined with 1.5 mL of FC reagent solution and scanned at 645 nm. The method was then used to estimate the amount of PPD in three marketed hair dye formulations. The technique demonstrated accuracy and precision, with a detection limit of 0.2445 μg/mL and a quantification limit of 0.7411 μg/mL. The level of PPD observed in three marketed formulations was between 10 to 12.5 μg/mL. During the study, it was observed that the black henna pack contained high concentrations of PPD

Black Henna Temporary Tattoo: A Case of Sometimes Debilitating Dermatological Complication

In Africa, henna tattooing is generally practiced on the hands and feet during ceremonies such as weddings and baptisms. Many allergic reactions including allergic contact dermatitis have been described, not directly linked to pure henna, but especially to the addition of para-phenylenediamine. We report the case of a 35-year-old female patient who presented with allergic contact dermatitis following the application of a black henna tattoo. A 35-year-old woman presented with very itchy vesiculobullous lesions on the backs of the hands and forearms with a burning sensation 48 hours after the application of a black henna tattoo containing paraphenylenediamine (PPD) vesiculo-bullous, edematous lesions which sat at the tattoo site and exactly followed the initial design on the hands and forearms. The diagnosis retained was contact dermatitis allergic to black henna. Black henna tattooing is an ancient practice, responsible for a large number of allergic contact dermatitis due to the various products mixed with henna. It is therefore important that there be information, especially among young people, about the skin risks of this practice.

Determination of Para-Phenylenediamine (PPD) in Henna Samples Collected from Libyan Local Markets Using HPLC

Henna is frequently used as body adornment in Libya, the Arabic world, and some African and Asian countries. It is part of the traditions and cultures. The addition of para-phenylenediamine (PPD) to the natural henna increases the risk of allergic contact dermatitis as well as toxic effects, which sometimes lead to severe toxicity and death. Cases have already been reported in Al-Bayda city - Libya. This study aimed to identify the presence and determination of PPD in henna by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). In the current study, eleven henna samples were collected from local markets in Al-Bayda - Libya. A rapid, simple, and reliable method is developed and validated for the determination of PPD in henna samples using 50% methanol solution as solvent. The method is validated over a wide linear range of 5 – 25 µg/ml with correlation coefficients being consistently greater than 0.997. The minimum PPD level was observed in a random sample of mixed henna (paste2) (0.0104 % w/w), while the Royal Black Henna sample showed the highest PPD content (11.9107 % w/w). The HPLC measurements indicated that the results of PPD concentrations in the Royal Red henna sample and Shikha henna (natural henna) were PPD free (ND) (Not Detected). The concentrations in Black henna samples were higher than Red henna samples. The PPD content in red henna samples analyzed in this study is below the allowable limits set by the Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP) and the US Food and Drugs Administration. While in Black henna samples it was higher than that recommended limit.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Temporary Black Henna Tattoo Due to Sensitization to Para-Phenylenediamine

The fashion for temporary “black henna tattoo” is becoming increasingly more common among young adults and teens. An adolescent case with itching, erythema, edema, and inflammatory discharge on the right forearm two days after a temporary tattoo application is presented in this report. To determine the contact sensitizer, a patch test was performed one month after the end of the treatment. A bullous strong positive reaction (3+) was observed against para-phenylenediamine at the 48th and 72nd hours of evaluation after the application. Despite the common belief that henna tattoo application is harmless, the ingredients used in henna tattoo especially para-phenylenediamine can lead to allergenic reactions that can even be severe.Keywords: Adolescent, contact dermatitis, para-phenylenediamine

The Potential Effect of Henna (Stone Dye) Extract Paraphenylenediamine on Human Blood Cells, Liver and Renal Function

Some of the dyes that are used for coloring hair and skin contain a chemical compound called paraphenylenediamine (PPD), which is potentially toxic. The study comprised 50 adult Sudanese women who were selected by stratified random sampling and working as henna artist. Urine samples were taken for detection of PPD while blood samples were taken for investigating kidney and liver functions by measuring its relevant hematological indices. In other hand Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) were used to detection of PPD in black henna (stone dye) samples and urine. The PPD was detected in the urine of all women who used the black henna its concentration varied according to duration of exposure being significantly higher in those with &gt;10 years of exposure (p≤0.01). Similarly significant changes in liver function, kidney function and hematological indices were found in the group of women who used natural henna. This study concluded that natural henna is safe to use, while Black dye is potentially hazardous. It contains the high concentration of PPD, is the one most commonly associated with adverse effects.

Paraphenylenediamine ingredient possibly contributes to granuloma formation in inflammatory tattoo

Tattoos are used as world-wide cosmetic practice and an exotic self-expression form in some social groups. In the black henna tattoo, to darken the color, it occasionally contains hair dyes, as represented by paraphenylenediamine (PPD)8–10, which is well known as contact allergen. We report an erythematous indurated eruption congruous with a dermally injected permanent tattoo in a patient who had contact dermatitis to PPD.

Dermatology Clinical Case

Herein are reported two cases of a previously healthy fourteen-year-old girl and a nine-year-old boy who presented to the Pediatric Emergency Department with a cutaneous reaction after applying a temporary black henna tattoo. Diagnosis of delayed hypersensitivity to black henna was established. Black henna tattoos are known for their temporary and harmless nature, but henna usually contains paraphenylendamine (PPD), originating black henna. PPD induces skin sensitization and causes allergic contact dermatitis.

Black Henna: Cosmetic Product with Unsightly Results

Black Henna: Cosmetic Product with Unsightly Results

Efficient removal of black henna tattoos.

Para-phenylenediamine, a dye frequently added to henna tattoos to create the black color, is a potent contact allergen. Severe contact dermatitis may arise within days even after the first application. Our objective was to develop a method for rapid and complete removal of para-phenylenediamine-containing black henna tattoos from the skin, an important problem many physicians are confronted with, but for which no simple method exists. A database search revealed polyethylene glycol 400, described in removal of ortho-phenylenediamine from contaminated skin. We therefore investigated its use in removal of the structurally related ortholog para-phenylenediamine present in black henna tattoos. A protocol was established involving repeated cycles of rinsing of the skin with polyethylene glycol 400 solution. In 5 patients, one of whom had already developed a severe blistering contact dermatitis and another a mild erosive dermatitis, black henna tattoos were successfully removed. Removal was completed in a single session of 1hour or less, depending on tattoo size, with a maximum of 6 rinse cycles. We provide a simple and safe method for rapid and effective removal of black henna tattoos. This procedure requires no special equipment and can be applied in virtually any setting.

Tattoo hypersensitivity reactions: inky business.

Hypersensitivity reactions can occur in both temporary and permanent tattoos. Traditional temporary tattoos consist of red henna or black henna; paraphenylenediamine is the most common allergen and usually is present in black henna. Contact allergy to genipin in jagua temporary tattoos also has been reported. Permanent tattoo inks traditionally contain black pigment of amorphous carbon or black iron oxides or metals. Modern permanent tattoo ink is a blend of pigments, including metals, as well as carbon, azo, diketopyrrolopyrrole, quinacridone, anthraquinone, dioxazine (purple), or quinophthalone (yellow) dyes. Patch testing for temporary and permanent tattoos is complex and challenging.

Contact allergy to hair-colouring products: a cosmetovigilance follow-up study by four companies in Europe from 2014 to 2017.

A previous analysis of undesirable events (UEvs), reported to four major companies following the use of hair-colouring products in Europe, showed that the reporting rates were stable for both oxidative and direct hair-colouring products over the period 2003-2006. In order to verify the impact of risk management measures implemented since 2006, as well as the impact of a new Commission Regulation (No 1223/2009), the same four companies analysed cosmetovigilance data collected over an additional four-year period (2014-2017). The objective was to determine whether there was any time effect, country effect, or product type effect, as well as identify risk factors. Each company collected reports of alleged UEvs, undesirable effects (UEfs) and serious undesirable effects (SUEs) for their products in their key European markets, and calculated the respective reporting rates (number of events/million units sold). A detailed analysis was performed on allergic contact dermatitis-type events. The reporting rates for alleged UEvs and allergic-type UEfs associated with hair-colouring products remained stable over the four-year period, although a statistically significant decrease was observed for some companies. No time effect on SUEs was observed for three companies but a statistically significant decrease in SUEs was observed for one company. Black henna tattoos remained a major risk factor regarding SUEs due to hair dyes. The reporting rates of undesirable events, including contact allergy-type events, were stable over time. This was true for oxidative and direct hair dyes, for both home use and professional exposure scenarios.

Herbul black henna (hair dye) causes cardiovascular defects in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo model.

Herbul black henna (hair dye) have been widely used as cosmetic agents to temporarily change the color of hair. Their use was tremendously increased in the past decade. Especially, hair dye containing paraphenylenediamine (PPD) is extensively used globally because of its abundance and low cost. PPD, one of the main chemicals in hair dye, is known as a toxin. Hair dye has various adverse effects, including negative impacts on human health, especially during pregnancy and on aquatic environment. Although a large amount of dyes has been released into the environment, studies on environmental toxicity of these substances are still poorly understood. Hence, the main objective of this study is to evaluate the potential cardiovascular toxicological effects of hair dye on zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo as a model. After exposing zebrafish embryos to various concentrations (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600μM), their cardiotoxicity and other teratogenic effects were examined for various exposure periods ranged from 24 to 96hpf. As a result, the tested embryos could not survive over intervals of 48h after 72 and 96hpf at higher concentrations (300, 400, 500, and 600μM), except the lower concentration cases (100 and 200μM) some embryos were survived, respectively. However, hair dye increases mortality and decreases yolk stalk length, heart rate and severely affects heart looping in zebrafish embryos. In addition, the dye was observed to induce cardiovascular defects in transgenic Tg (fli1a:EGFP) and Tg (flk1:EGFP) zebrafish embryos at environmentally realistic dye concentrations. However, further study using bioassays is fundamentally required to predict the toxicity of hair dyes, aside from providing the information on their safe levels for living organisms. Therefore, the present results would be vital for the ecological risk assessment of hair dye, particularly for freshwater aquatic ecosystem and human health.

For the love of color: Plant colors and the dermatologist.

Humans have been anointing their skin with natural colorants since antiquity. Before the advent of modern cosmetics, tattoos and hair dyes, the spectacular colors in plants served as a palette for humanity's fascination with color. Skin, hair, nails, teeth and clothing have been altered with botanical colorants for centuries. Understanding the relevance of botanical colorants is an important part of cultural competency. Substitution or adulteration of plant colorants with synthetic colorants has played a role in varied dermatoses (eg. black henna, kumkum, and Holi dermatoses). Safety concerns over synthetic colorants have led to a resurgence of natural colorants. However, some plant colorants have produced adverse reactions. Plant colorants have also played an integral role in medicine. Ingested plant colorants are an indispensable part of our diet, playing crucial roles in the maintenance of health and prevention of disease. Excessive intake of some pigments can alter skin color (carotenoderma, lycopenemia, and the golden tan of canthaxanthin). We have relied on the colors of hematoxylin and alizarin red, derived from the logwood tree and madder roots, respectively, to study and diagnose disease in pathology. We briefly review the uses, cultural relevance, and adverse effects of the common botanical colorants on the skin, hair, and mucosa. We also describe their relevance in our diet, and in the diagnosis and description of dermatological diseases.

Retrospective evaluation of childhood paraphenylenediamine intoxication due to black henna.

Paraphenylenediamine (PPD) is a toxic substance in henna. Oral intake of this substance causes severe systemic toxicity. To the best of our knowledge there are no studies in the literature conducted only on children exposed to henna intoxication. Twenty-three patients aged between 1 and 17 who referred to Nyala-Sudan Turkey Training and Research Hospital between May 2015 and June 2018 were evaluated retrospectively in terms of demographic, clinic and laboratory characteristics. Four (17.39%) patients were male and 19 (82.61%) were female. Average age of patients was 10.95 ± 3.2. Most of the referrals to the hospital following PPD intoxication occurred in the first 16 hours. All of the patients between 10 and 17 had taken henna for suicidal purposes. All patients had vomiting and agitation. The most common symptoms apart from these were gastrointestinal symptoms, tachycardia, tachypnea and dyspnea. Twelve (52.17%) patients had elevated liver function tests and 3 (13.04%) had developed renal failure. None of the patients had neurological complications. Two (8.70%) patients developed a need for tracheostomy. Average hospitalization period of patients was 8.5 days. Two patients died. One was in 1-5 age group and died due to renal complications, while the other was in 6-10 age group and died due to hepatic failure. PPD intoxication is a life-threatening situation even in low doses. For this reason, even asymptomatic cases should undergo physical examination and should be followed closely in terms of respiratory tract obstruction. Ensuring hydration and diuresis in the early period, steroid and adrenalin therapy for prophylaxis in terms of respiratory tract obstruction are important and tracheostomy should not be abstained in necessary cases. It should not be forgotten that symptomatic treatment for organ systems and dialysis will decrease mortality and morbidity.

IL-24 contributes to skin inflammation in Para-Phenylenediamine-induced contact hypersensitivity

Para-Phenylenediamine (PPD) is an aromatic amine used in hair dyes and in temporary black henna tattoos, which is a frequent cause of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). ACD is a skin inflammatory reaction characterized by modifications such as spongiosis, exocytosis and acanthosis. The aim of this study is to characterize the expression and the role of IL-20-related cytokines, including IL-19, IL-20, IL-22 and IL-24, in ACD. The expression of IL19, IL20, IL22 and IL24 is increased in affected skin from PPD allergic patients compared with uninvolved skin. In addition, the expression of these cytokines positively correlates with clinical symptoms. To assess their role in ACD, we set up a mouse model of PPD-induced allergic contact dermatitis and we showed that, in contrast to Il22-deficient mice, Il22ra1-, Il20rb- and Il24-deficient mice are partially protected against development of PPD-induced contact hypersensitivity. These mice have decreased ear thickening and less acanthosis compared with WT mice after PPD treatment. In addition, the absence of IL-22R, IL-20R2 or IL-24 affects the recruitment of neutrophils into the skin but not the total IgE production. Taken together, these results demonstrate the implication of IL-24 via the IL-20R type II receptor in the inflammatory process of ACD.

Are henna tattoos harmless? Report of clinical cases

The black henna tattoo has been of use in Mexico for a long time. It has become popular in the last few years mostly in young children and adolescents. The traditional henna tattoo is obtained from the Lawsonia alba and inermis plant. However, para-phenylenediamine (PPDA) is added to this so it can last longer, look darker, and look like a permanent tattoo. This increases its allergic potential since it has no sanitary regulation of the concentration of PPDA that it is used. We present three cases of children with contact allergic dermatitis caused by black henna which resolved with low potency topical steroids. The objective of this is to educate contact health-care professionals to be aware of this adverse effect on black henna and also to educate patients and patients' families about the risk of applying it, since it can have severe allergic reactions.

Black Henna Contact Eczema: Getting Handsome with Poison

Black Henna Contact Eczema: Getting Handsome with Poison