Why you should never get henna tattoos from an unknown source (Warning! Disturbing photos posted below)
Black henna is a term for a very harsh chemical called paraphenylenediamine (PPD) which DOES NOT CONTAIN ANY HENNA AT ALL. The consequences of having black henna applied to the skin can be devastating, often with lifelong problems the result.
PPD is a chemical agent that is used in black hair dye. If you have ever had your hair dyed with a product containing PPD, you may recall that your stylist wore plastic gloves when applying the dye. That is because the use of PPD is strictly regulated in the cosmetics safety legislation in many countries.
The PPD "ink" used in fake henna tattoos may contain high levels so powerful and toxic that it is illegal to use it on the skin in this way. On average, reactions appear 7-14 days after application. In someone already sensitized to PPD due to earlier exposure to the chemical, the reaction develops within 48 hours.
These delayed signs range from discomfort, such as burning or tingling, to painful stinging, swelling, redness and blistering of the skin. This can become very severe and lead to permanent scarring of the skin in the outline of the tattoo. The reaction can lead to contact dermatitis and there is also a real risk of becoming sensitized to PPD. This means that if you come into contact with PPD again in the future, even years later, you can have a very serious allergic reaction. Allergic reactions can get worse over time, and you might not even realize you have become sensitized. Even if you have not had a reaction to such a tattoo, you will not know if you have been sensitized to PPD, so you could react the next time you encounter it – for example, in hair colourant. (https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/black-henna-neutral-henna-ppd-dangers/)
If you get a reaction like this, contact a doctor immediately and tell them what has happened. Mention if this is the first time you have had such a tattoo, or if you have had one before, and whether you have ever had any reaction to hair dye in the past. You will probably be treated for chemical burns and possibly allergic reactions. If the reaction persists or gets worse, go back to the doctor, as the affected area can also become infected. The first photo shows PPD blisters that have just formed, several days after the application of the chemical. In the second photo, you can see the damage after the blisters have begun to scab over.
PPD is a chemical agent that is used in black hair dye. If you have ever had your hair dyed with a product containing PPD, you may recall that your stylist wore plastic gloves when applying the dye. That is because the use of PPD is strictly regulated in the cosmetics safety legislation in many countries.
The PPD "ink" used in fake henna tattoos may contain high levels so powerful and toxic that it is illegal to use it on the skin in this way. On average, reactions appear 7-14 days after application. In someone already sensitized to PPD due to earlier exposure to the chemical, the reaction develops within 48 hours.
These delayed signs range from discomfort, such as burning or tingling, to painful stinging, swelling, redness and blistering of the skin. This can become very severe and lead to permanent scarring of the skin in the outline of the tattoo. The reaction can lead to contact dermatitis and there is also a real risk of becoming sensitized to PPD. This means that if you come into contact with PPD again in the future, even years later, you can have a very serious allergic reaction. Allergic reactions can get worse over time, and you might not even realize you have become sensitized. Even if you have not had a reaction to such a tattoo, you will not know if you have been sensitized to PPD, so you could react the next time you encounter it – for example, in hair colourant. (https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/black-henna-neutral-henna-ppd-dangers/)
If you get a reaction like this, contact a doctor immediately and tell them what has happened. Mention if this is the first time you have had such a tattoo, or if you have had one before, and whether you have ever had any reaction to hair dye in the past. You will probably be treated for chemical burns and possibly allergic reactions. If the reaction persists or gets worse, go back to the doctor, as the affected area can also become infected. The first photo shows PPD blisters that have just formed, several days after the application of the chemical. In the second photo, you can see the damage after the blisters have begun to scab over.
Other henna providers use henna paste that has had kerosine, gasoline or similar chemicals added to the henna. These chemicals can also cause problems, and are virtually impossible to recognize. The addition of these substances promote a tattoo that stains the skin much more quickly and so are favored by unscrupulous providers.
There is one final warning we would like to give you. In Djemaa el Fna, many female tourists are accosted by one of many “henna gangsters”. These charlatans roam Djemaa (and other public places in Marrakech), armed with black henna. Their modus operandi is to approach a tourist, offering free henna as a gift. Even if the reply is a “no’ they will grab the hand of the tourist and aggressively apply black henna, with or without permission. Then they demand payment, usually an outrageous amount. On a daily basis, we have tourists come in to show us a black henna tattoo, and tell us their horror stories of the gangster they encountered. Most ask how they can get the ugly scrawl off their hand. Unfortunately, there is not much, if anything, that can be done because the type of black henna that has been chemically altered only needs a few minutes to produce a tattoo, and PPD is instantly bonded to the skin. When you encounter these charlatans, be firm in your rejection and if you are physically assaulted by her grabbing your hand, shout loudly for the police. They are engaging in illegal actions, and all tourist areas are full of plainsclothe policeman who are there for the express purpose of protecting tourists from these kinds of scams.
There is one final warning we would like to give you. In Djemaa el Fna, many female tourists are accosted by one of many “henna gangsters”. These charlatans roam Djemaa (and other public places in Marrakech), armed with black henna. Their modus operandi is to approach a tourist, offering free henna as a gift. Even if the reply is a “no’ they will grab the hand of the tourist and aggressively apply black henna, with or without permission. Then they demand payment, usually an outrageous amount. On a daily basis, we have tourists come in to show us a black henna tattoo, and tell us their horror stories of the gangster they encountered. Most ask how they can get the ugly scrawl off their hand. Unfortunately, there is not much, if anything, that can be done because the type of black henna that has been chemically altered only needs a few minutes to produce a tattoo, and PPD is instantly bonded to the skin. When you encounter these charlatans, be firm in your rejection and if you are physically assaulted by her grabbing your hand, shout loudly for the police. They are engaging in illegal actions, and all tourist areas are full of plainsclothe policeman who are there for the express purpose of protecting tourists from these kinds of scams.
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