Risks of Black Henna Tattoos: How to Protect Your Skin and Health

2023-07-31 05:37:02

Black henna tattoos are done with a natural dye that has an auburn color. But to reinforce the black color when applied to the skin, “some manufacturers add a chemical product to the henna paste: para-phenylenediamine. It is a powerful allergen which can cause allergic reactions, sometimes serious, ”indicates Medicare. Paraphenylenediamine is also prohibited in cosmetics (it is only authorized in hair dyes at a concentration limited to 2%).

The risks

Two to three days following getting the black henna tattoo, and “in many cases,” according to Medicare, people can develop:

– itching, or even a major allergic reaction requiring medical intervention;

– contact eczema, on or around the tattooed area and sometimes all over the body;

– polysensitization, responsible for an allergic reaction to several elements, including rubbers, clothing dyes and hair dyes. These reactions can prevent the practice of certain professions such as hairdressing for example.

Risks that are not to be taken lightly since these allergic reactions can last more than two weeks and it is possible to have a lifelong allergy to products treated with or containing para-phenylenediamine.

How to limit the risks?

The National Syndicate of Dermatologists – Venereologists advise to:

– do not accept to make tattoos on the beaches, the probability is high that it is not really pure henna;

– in case of reactions, especially protect it from the sun and UV rays;

– consult a dermatologist to limit the reaction;

– carry out allergological tests, the nature of the product used is important to know to guide the dermato-allergist.

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