Irritant Contact Dermatitis From a Black Henna Tattoo Without Sensitization to Para-phenylendiamine

Abstract

Allergic contact dermatitis from nonpermanent black henna tattoos has been frequently reported, particularly in children. Contamination or adulteration of the dyes with para-phenylendiamine has been identified as major cause of active sensitization and elicitation of severe allergic contact dermatitis. Sequelae include permanent sensitization, hyper- or hypopigmentation, scarring, keloids, and hypertrichosis. We report a rare case of irritant dermatitis to an unknown ingredient in a black henna tattoo with consecutive hypopigmentation. Sensitization to para-phenylendiamine and other para-compounds was excluded by patch test evaluation. This is relevant for future exposure to consumer products such as hair dyes or in occupational settings. Generally, black henna tattoos, particularly if done with dyes of unknown composition, should be strongly discouraged.

Contact Dermatitis After Temporary Henna Tattoo

“…Its use explains the high incidence of contact dermatitis in this type of tattoos (4,5). Henna tattoo may cause irritant or allergic contact dermatitis (2,3,6,7). The temporary tattoo associated type IV hypersensitivity dermatitis secondary to PPD typically occurs within three to 10 days after the temporary tattoo application.…”

Chemical Leukoderma to Hair Dye in a Singaporean Indian – A Rare, Adverse Cosmetic Outcome in Relation to a Ubiquitous Cosmetic Product

“…Secondly, there could be a greater chance of exposure to potential offending chemicals due to any combination of religious, cultural or social reasons in this group of patients [7,8]. For example, the use of Bindi5 and Henna [9,10], which are important cultural and religious symbols to Indians, has been implicated in cases of Chemical Leukoderma. For affected Indian patients in India, other pertinent factors may come into play -a lack of regulation in manufacturing industries which results in common household items being produced with higher amounts of potential offending agents, such as pphenylenediamine (PPD) in hair dyes; hypopigmentation being misconstrued as harbinger of an infectious disease such as leprosy, or even "impurity", resulting in a higher rate of health-seeking behaviour [8].…”