Black Henna Tattoos for Halloween? Just Say No

Dermatologists are warning that the harmless-looking henna tattoos that are sold at Halloween carnivals and being handed out to trick-or-treaters could contain a harmful chemical known as para-phenylenediamine (PPD).

This chemical is used to create longer-lasting black henna tattoos. PPD has been associated with major skin problems.

At a recent American Academy of Dermatology meeting, dermatologist Sharon E. Jacob, M.D., assistant clinical professor of pediatrics and medicine at the University of California, San Diego, discussed the dangers of black henna tattoos.

Dermatologists are treating an increasing number of patients, including very young children, for skin problems caused by allergic reactions to PPD.

Natural henna, which is often used for temporary tattoos, is made from the leaves of the lawsonia inermis plant, which provides a vegetable coloring that comes in shades of brown, green or red. Temporary coloring of the skin with natural henna is considered harmless and only lasts for a few days.

 But to increase the intensity of the tattoo beyond that which can be attained with natural henna color, and to prolong the longevity of the temporary tattoo from days to weeks, some henna-tattoo artists are adding PPD into the henna mix. This turns the tattoo black.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration prohibits the direct application of PPD to the skin because of its known health risks. However, since the henna-tattoo industry is not regulated, people are still getting black henna tattoos and exposing themselves to serious medical problems.

“Perhaps the most alarming issue we are seeing with black henna tattoos is the increase in the number of children – even children as young as four – who are getting them and experiencing skin reactions,” says Jacob. “Kids make up a significant portion of the population that receives temporary tattoos, because parents mistakenly think they are safe since they are not permanent and are available at so many popular venues catering to families. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth.”

Jacob notes that there have been hundreds of reports of allergic contact dermatitis from black henna tattoos, with reactions ranging from mild eczema to blistering and even permanent scarring. The first sign of a reaction is typically redness and itching, followed by bumps, swelling and then blisters. Topical steroids can be used to stop the reaction, but Jacob notes that whether or not any scarring occurs depends on the depth and severity of the inflammation.

Jacob advises that if you do allow your child to have a henna tattoo, only do so if you can be certain that only vegetable henna is used, not PPD-adulterated henna. “Unless the artist can tell you exactly what’s in the tattoo, don’t get one,” she says.

For any skin reactions that develop from a temporary tattoo, Jacob recommends seeing a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment. If a serious reaction occurs, such as severe blistering or swelling, seek immediate medical attention.

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