Allergic Ectopic Contact Dermatitis with Henna Tattoos

Divya T. Raj, Prabhu N, Yamuna

Abstract

The erythematic and edematous allergic reactions to pure henna are rare. But nowadays the allergic reaction to black henna containing para-phenylenediamine (PPD) has become most often. PPD causes majority of allergic reactions when applied over skin for tattooing. Here in this article, three such cases are described. The contact dermatitis in three adolescents is due to the presence of PPD which was then confirmed by patch test. Thus it is concluded that the application of PPD must be avoided in tattoos.