Abstract

A case of contact dermatitis resulting from temporary tattooing with henna is described. The skin was stained using a dye described as ‘black’ henna. This is produced by the addition of paraphenylenediamine (PPD) to traditional henna dye in order to make temporary skin tattoos appear darker. Sensitisation to PPD may also cause sensitivity to printers’ inks, clothing dyes, hair dyes, local anaesthetics, sulphonamides, and para-aminosalicylic acid. The case of contact dermatitis described responded to application of topical steroid with no sequelae; however patients may be left with hypo- or hyper-pigmentation of the skin or even permanent scarring.