Black Henna Tattoos with PPD Pose Serious Health Risks

Dermatologists Issue Warning To Consumers

Dermatologists are warning consumers that the harmless-looking, henna tattoos that are being sold everywhere from summer carnivals and open-air malls to cruise ships and vacation hot spots could contain a harmful chemical known as para-phenylenediamine, or PPD, used to create longer-lasting black henna tattoos. Notably, PPD has been associated with a rash of major skin problems.

To date, there have been hundreds of case reports of allergic contact dermatitis from black henna tattoos, with reactions ranging from mild eczema to blistering and even permanent scarring.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prohibits the direct application of PPD to the skin because of its known health risks. However, since the tattoo industry is not regulated, people are still getting black henna tattoos and exposing themselves to serious medical problems, such as the development of a lifelong sensitivity to PPD and an allergy that can cause a cross reaction to other compounds, including certain medications. For example, use of some heart, hypertension and diabetes medications, and even some anesthetics used in topical hemorrhoid preparations or oral gels, can lead to allergic reactions in people previously sensitized to PPD. This could result in serious adverse health effects.

Legal Help

If you or a loved one has suffered ill health effects or injury as a result of having a PPD-containting henna tattoo, please click the link below to send your complaint to a lawyer to evaluate your claim at no cost or obligation.
Published on Jul-31-08