Tattoos are well known to cause skin problems and the number of reported adverse reactions after tattooing has increased. Illegally imported tattoo ink is unrestrained and can contain unknown ingredients and contamination thereby posing a serious health hazard. We present a case illustrating the risk of pronounced phototoxic allergic reaction and other severe complications after using home kit ...

Allergic contact dermatitis related to para-phenylendiamine (PPD) from temporary black henna tattoos and hair dyes has become an epidemic in recent years. Several cases of adverse skin reactions to PPD have been reported in the literature. Herein, we present a case of angioedema-like allergic contact dermatitis related to hair coloring with henna.

Allergic and irritant reactions to henna are rare. Para-phenylenediamine, which is sometimes added to obtain a dark, blackish henna, causes the majority of contact dermatitis reported related with tattoos. Allergic contact dermatitis due to temporary paint-on tattoo with black henna is described in two adolescents.

Tattooing and body piercing have become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly among young adults and adolescents. Montgomery and Parks (2001) say tattoos represent attributes such as individualism, risk, sexual fantasies and uniqueness, which are important for adolescents attempting to prove their individuality.