Northern Ireland

Warning over henna tattoos

Henna tattoos are popular but have led to skin reactions
Henna tattoos are popular but have led to skin reactions Henna tattoos are popular but have led to skin reactions

The British Skin Foundation has issued a warning this summer over so-called 'black henna' temporary tattoos (BHTTs) after research among dermatologists reveals they are seeing an increase in reactions at their clinics.



Parents hoping to treat their children to a temporary tattoo on holiday or at the funfair, along with party-goers at festivals may not realise the dangers of BHTT.



The majority of BHTT are not based on henna at all, but a substance called para-phenylenediamine (PPD) which is found in hair dyes. PPD is allowed for use in hair dye, but its use for skin contact products such as temporary tattoos is illegal in the European Union.



When PPD is used on the skin in this way it can cause blistering, painful skin burns and may even lead to scarring. It can also leave the person with a lifelong sensitivity to PPD, which increases the risk of a severe allergic reaction when using hair dye in the future.