Black Henna Research Articles

‘Black henna’ tattoos: an occult source of natural rubber latex allergy?

Temporary 'black henna' tattoos are an increasingly popular body decoration with a growing incidence of associated adverse events. We report the case of a 14 year old girl presenting with an acute allergic contact dermatitis to hair dyes. Some years previously she had a 'black henna' tattoo with prior application of a tacky transfer to the skin to outline the design followed some days later by an acute localised blistering reaction. Patch testing to an extended British Contact Dermatitis Society standard series showed relevant positive reactions to paraphenlyenediamine (PPD) and thiuram mix, as well as to several of the azo disperse dyes. We went on to perform prick testing to natural rubber latex (NRL), showing a positive reaction to the commercial HEP 100 concentration. We propose that through the initial acute reaction caused by PPD in the 'black henna' our patient was not only sensitized to PPD, but also to thiuram and natural rubber latex which may have been present in the tacky transfer applied prior to 'tattooing.' We would add that temporary 'black henna' tattoos may have more important consequences than previously thought on patients' future health by sensitization to NRL.

Severe allergic contact dermatitis to paraphenylene diamine in hair dye following sensitization to black henna tattoos

Contact DermatitisVolume 52, Issue 2 p. 116-117 Severe allergic contact dermatitis to paraphenylene diamine in hair dye following sensitization to black henna tattoos Zaid F. Jasim, Corresponding Author Zaid F. Jasim Department of Dermatology, andDr Zaid F. Jasim Department of Dermatology Level 5 Outpatients Royal Victoria Hospitals Trust Grosvenor Road Belfast BT12 6BA, UK e-mail: zfjasim@hotmail.comSearch for more papers by this authorJohn R. Darling, John R. Darling Department of Anaesthetics, The Ulster Hospital, Belfast, UKSearch for more papers by this authorJulian M. Handley, Julian M. Handley Department of Dermatology, andSearch for more papers by this author Zaid F. Jasim, Corresponding Author Zaid F. Jasim Department of Dermatology, andDr Zaid F. Jasim Department of Dermatology Level 5 Outpatients Royal Victoria Hospitals Trust Grosvenor Road Belfast BT12 6BA, UK e-mail: zfjasim@hotmail.comSearch for more papers by this authorJohn R. Darling, John R. Darling Department of Anaesthetics, The Ulster Hospital, Belfast, UKSearch for more papers by this authorJulian M. Handley, Julian M. Handley Department of Dermatology, andSearch for more papers by this author First published: 22 February 2005 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0105-1873.2005.00498k.xCitations: 37Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume52, Issue2February 2005Pages 116-117 RelatedInformation

A new approach to patch testing patients with para‐phenylenediamine allergy secondary to temporary black henna tattoos

A new approach to patch testing patients with para‐phenylenediamine allergy secondary to temporary black henna tattoos

Dermatitis associated with henna tattoo

A 32-year-old woman presented with a 5-day history of a severely pruritic, erythematous reaction in the distribution of a temporary black henna tattoo that had been applied 2 weeks earlier while she was vacationing on theboardwalk in New Jersey. She was not a cosmetologist and had no history of previous exposure to henna in hair dyes. In fact, the patient had no history of ever coloring her hair. She denied having a history of allergic contact dermatitis, atopy, and asthma. Physical examination revealed a geometric, erythematous, edematous, crusted lesion in the sun-shaped pattern of the patient's henna tattoo on the medial aspect of her right ankle (figure 1). A diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis was made. She was treated with 60 mg of oral prednisone taken daily and tapered over 2 weeks. Topical triamcinolone acetonide cream was applied to the area twice daily and as needed for pruritus, and she was cautioned to avoid any exposure to henna in temporary tattoos and hair-dye products. Patch testing revealed a 2+ reaction to p-phenylenediamine (PPD). The remainder of the patch test was negative. The patient was then advised to avoid all permanent hair-dye products. She returned for follow-up about 1 month later. At that time, the dermatitis had resolved, leaving a faint hyperpigmented area in the design of the henna tattoo.

Dermatitis de contacto por pseudotatuaje de henna negra

Abstract—Henna is a natural dye extracted from the Lawsonia inermis shrub, whose use is on the rise, especially among children and young adults, due to the fashion trend of temporary tattoos. To make the tattoos last longer or intensify their color, different products are added to the henna, some of which are known sensitizing agents, such as paraphenylendiamine (PPD). We present the case of a 10-year-old boy who presented with an erythematous, pruritic plaque on the side of the right arm 2-3 weeks after getting a temporary black henna tattoo. The lesion disappeared after treatment with topical and systemic corticosteroids, leaving transient residual hypopigmentation, which cleared up spontaneously in 3 months. Skin testing showed contact sensitization to PPD, azo dyes and benzocaine, which were considered cross-reactions to the PPD, and to tetraethylthiuram.We would like to draw attention to the fact that this fashion of temporary black henna tattoos may cause sensitization with future repercussions.

Temporary tattoo dermatitis

Dermatologic conditions are common among persons who have recently traveled.1Ryan ET Wilson ME Kari KC Current concepts: illness after international travel.N Engl J Med. 2002; 347: 505-516Crossref PubMed Scopus (272) Google Scholar We share our recent experience with a young traveler in whom an allergic contact dermatitis to henna developed. While on vacation in the Dominican Republic, an 11-year-old boy had temporary henna tattoos applied to his upper arms bilaterally by a street artist. Two weeks later an erythematous, pruritic rash developed at the tattoo sites. He was seen by his pediatrician, who prescribed topical steroid therapy with fluticasone propionate ointment, oral prednisone, and cetirizine. On referral, examination revealed erythematous patches with accentuation at the borders of the tattoo sites (Figure).In addition, erythematous papules were clustered on the upper chest, face and extensor aspects of the extremities. A biopsy specimen taken from the left wrist revealed spongiotic dermatitis, subacute type with eosinophilia suggesting an id reaction. At follow-up examination one week later, the eruption had cleared completely. Henna is derived from the Lawsonia tree, which grows in the hot climates of India, the Middle East, and North Africa.2Kulkarni PD Herron JB Moores WB Hahn HB What is your diagnosis? Allergic contact dermatitis to paraphenylenediamine in a temporary henna tattoo.Cutis. 2001; 68: 229-230Google Scholar Skin painting or pseudotattooing is traditionally performed with henna or other labile vegetable substances, primarily in Muslim and Hindu persons.3Le Coz CJ Lefebvre C Keller F Grosshans E Allergic contact dermatitis caused by skin painting (pseudotattooing) with black henna, a mixture of henna and p-phenylenediamine and its derivatives.Arch Dermatol. 2000; 136: 1515-1517Crossref PubMed Scopus (122) Google Scholar Temporary henna tattoos are becoming more popular, especially among teenagers and travelers, resulting in more extensive henna use worldwide.4Onder M Atahan CA Oztas P Oztas MO Temporary henna tattoo reactions in children.Int J Dermatol. 2001; 40: 577-579Crossref PubMed Scopus (67) Google Scholar Allergic and irritant reactions are rare with henna, which is relatively safe. However, additives such as paraphenylenediamine, a well recognized contact allergen that is sometimes mixed with henna to impart color to the pure reddish-brown paste, may result in more common reactions to henna tattooing.

Cutaneous reactions to temporary tattoos

While allergic reactions to henna painting are extremely rare, we have witnessed an increasing number of reports of cutaneous reactions after henna tattooing, also called temporary tattooing. The reason for this lies in the contemporary composition of the paint, which contains paraphenylenediamine (PPD). We present six patients who developed allergic contact dermatitis after skin painting with "black henna", and who showed hypersensitivity to PPD. We discuss the issue of the short sensitization period of our patients and the reported ones.

Skin Paints (Pseudo-Tattoos) with ‘Black Henna’: Hazards and Long-Term Risks

Background: Skin paints, traditionally performed with henna, are sometimes realized with hair-dyeing preparations like ‘black henna’ containing aromatic amines. Observations: Nine patients, 7 women and 2 men aged 9–41 years, had had skin painting with ‘black henna’. Six experienced acute manifestations: flare-up (1), eczema (1) or both (1), eczema after hair dyeing (1) or chemical burn (2). Two were symptom free. In 1, a positive p-phenylenediamine (PPD) patch test was explained by previous pseudo-tattooing. Patients positive for PPD (4/4 tested) reacted to toluene-2,5-diamine (2/2), aminophenols (1/2), Disperse Orange 3 (3/3) and several azoic textile dyes (1/3). Conclusions: Some skin paint preparations contain irritant and sensitizing aromatic amines. The peculiar conditions of applications and their repetition enhance the sensitization risk. Long-term consequences of sensitivity to PPD or derivatives are allergic contact dermatitis following hair dyeing or after contact with some azoic textile dyes. Occupational consequences may be of importance.

Ｂｌａｃｋ Ｈｅｎｎａ？による接触皮膚炎の１例

Ｂｌａｃｋ Ｈｅｎｎａ？による接触皮膚炎の１例

Clinicopathologic features of skin reactions to temporary tattoos and analysis of possible causes.

Recently, temporary paint-on tattoos have become increasingly popular as a safe alternative to permanent tattoos in Asia and other regions. The most common dye for such temporary tattoos is henna, a vegetable dye. Henna is considered to possess low allergenicity because the incidence of allergic contact dermatitis to henna has rarely been reported. However, recently, allergic reactions to henna used in temporary tattoos have been reported frequently. Ten patients developed inflamed skin eruptions after receiving temporary paint-on tattoos in either Thailand or Indonesia. The 6 patients who were patch tested all exhibited moderate to strong positive reactions to p-phenylenediamine (1% in petrolatum). Four of the 6 patients were then tested with commercial black henna obtained from Thailand, and all 4 had strong positive reactions. A skin biopsy specimen showed lichenoid dermatitis. Mass spectrometry analysis of commercial black henna for molecular weight revealed a major peak at the mass-charge ratio of 108.1, which corresponds to the molecular weight of p-phenylenediamine. The most likely causative agent for the lichenoid reaction associated with use of commercial black henna for temporary tattooing, currently popular in Southeast Asia, is p-phenylenediamine. With the increased popularity of temporary paint-on tattoos, clinicians should be aware of the possible associated complications.

Risques des peintures cutanées ou tatouages labiles au « henné noir »

For a few years, skin painting, also called temporary tattooing, has developed in many touristy areas worldwide. Instead of henna, traditionally used in Muslim or Indian populations, ambulant artists often use ‘black henna’ or other hair dye preparations. Such mixtures contain substances that, when directly applied on the skin and under inappropriate conditions, may induce several side effects. There is an important risk of active sensitization, particularly to para-phenylenediamine and other aromatic amines. Clinical manifestations are flare-up of the painted area or further allergic contact dermatitis. This latter occurs in sensitized patients after a new contact with hapten or similar molecules during further pseudotattooing or hair dying. The risk of hypersensitivity also concerns molecules related to para-phenylenediamine like some textile dyes. This paper presents a review of an increasing problem and proposed guidelines in patients with pseudotattoos.

Contact dermatitis after temporary henna tattoos--an increasing phenomenon.

Four patients developed contact dermatitis to black henna tattoos on holiday in the Middle East and Asia. Two to ten days after skin painting an itchy, reddish swelling developed at the site of the tattoo exactly following its sharply demarcated borders. Histological investigation of the lesions revealed spongiotic dermatitis with dense lymphohistiocytic infiltrates. Patch testing in all patients showed a strong reaction to p-phenylenediamine (PPD). The other tests, including standard series and henna powder, were all negative. Healing time after application of topical class III and IV steroids was prolonged. These reports show an impressive side effect of temporary tattoos with possible long-term damage. Rather than henna, the causative agent in the pastes used for temporary tattoos appears to be PPD, a widely used dye that is added to the pastes in high concentrations to produce a darker shade. The growing incidence of this complication requires close observation, while practitioners should be aware of this sensitisation and of possible subsequent allergic reactions, especially after hair colouring with dyes based on PPD.

Contact dermatitis after temporary henna tattoos--an increasing phenomenon.

Four patients developed contact dermatitis to black henna tattoos on holiday in the Middle East and Asia. Two to ten days after skin painting an itchy, reddish swelling developed at the site of the tattoo exactly following its sharply demarcated borders. Histological investigation of the lesions revealed spongiotic dermatitis with dense lymphohistiocytic infiltrates. Patch testing in all patients showed a strong reaction to p-phenylenediamine (PPD). The other tests, including standard series and henna powder, were all negative. Healing time after application of topical class III and IV steroids was prolonged. These reports show an impressive side effect of temporary tattoos with possible long-term damage. Rather than henna, the causative agent in the pastes used for temporary tattoos appears to be PPD, a widely used dye that is added to the pastes in high concentrations to produce a darker shade. The growing incidence of this complication requires close observation, while practitioners should be aware of this sensitisation and of possible subsequent allergic reactions, especially after hair colouring with dyes based on PPD.

Minerva: December 2000

A distinction needs to be made between ‘henna tattoo’ and ‘BLACK henna tattoo’. The injury seen on the 9 yr old boy was caused by ‘black henna’. Black henna contains little or no henna, instead it contains Paraphenaline-diamine, or PPD, a strong sensitizer which causes severe allergic reaction in a large percent of the population. It's part of a vascular surgeon's job to advise smokers to stop smoking, and 98% of members of the Vascular Surgical Society of Great Britain and Ireland do give advice ( Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England 2000;82:424–7). Only a minority give out written information, however, and even fewer (11%) run an antismoking clinic or group. Over half of the surgeons in this survey also counsel their junior staff about smoking. Whether the juniors take any notice could be the subject of another investigation. Researchers from Oklahoma took advantage of an “animal damage control” exercise to test 21 of the state's wild coyotes for infectious diseases ( Emerging Infectious Diseases 2000;6:477–9). Nearly three quarters carried Ehrlichia chaffeensis , the ricketsial pathogen responsible for human monocytotropic ehrlichiosis. White tailed deer are the best known carriers of E chaffeensis , which jumps to humans and domestic animals on board the lone star tick. Digestive surgery has …