Identification and quantification of para-phenylenediamine in a temporary black henna tattoo.

BACKGROUND

Temporary black henna tattoos are very popular as body adornment. Although contact allergy to natural henna is unusual, the inclusion of hair dye, p-phenylenediamine (PPD), increases the risk of contact sensitization.

OBJECTIVE

This study was performed to identify the presence and concentration of PPD in a black henna tattoo mixture to which our patient developed contact allergy.

METHODS

The presence of PPD in a black henna tattoo mixture, various samples of commercially available henna powders, and several hair dye products was qualitatively and quantitatively detected using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

RESULTS

This study demonstrated that PPD was present in the black henna tattoo mixture at a concentration of 15.7%, which is significantly higher than commercial hair dye preparations.

CONCLUSION

The presence of PPD in black henna tattoo mixtures in high concentration poses a health hazard and a risk of allergic contact sensitization with potential long-term consequences.