Allergic dermatitis - Black henna (para-phenylenediamine) use among the East African patient population in a general practice setting.

The use of henna has become a global phenomenon for skin adornment in arms and legs. The practice is old and common among communities of East African origin. Traditionally, natural henna is used during Eid celebrations, marriage ceremonies and other social occasions. However, black henna type with para-phenylenediamine (PPD) additive is gaining favour over the natural one due to its effect and ease in achieving the desired intensity, longevity and ease of drying. The natural henna stains the skin orange to brown and takes an hour to dry while black henna is intensely black and dries in minutes. This article describes a case of allergic dermatitis due to a black henna use seen in a general practice clinic setting and highlights the role of education and counselling of a particular community.