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Identification and quantification of para-phenylenediamine in a temporary black henna tattoo
Ronald R Brancaccio1, Lance H Brown, Young Tae Chang
1Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University Medical Center, New York University, New York, NY, USA.
Background:
Temporary black henna tattoos are very popular as body adornment. Although contact allergy to natural henna is unusual, the inclusion of hair dye, p-phenylenediamine (PPD), increases the risk of contact sensitization.
Objective:
This study was performed to identify the presence and concentration of PPD in a black henna tattoo mixture to which our patient developed contact allergy.
Methods:
The presence of PPD in a black henna tattoo mixture, various samples of commercially available henna powders, and several hair dye products was qualitatively and quantitatively detected using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Results:
This study demonstrated that PPD was present in the black henna tattoo mixture at a concentration of 15.7%, which is significantly higher than commercial hair dye preparations.
Conclusion:
The presence of PPD in black henna tattoo mixtures in high concentration poses a health hazard and a risk of allergic contact sensitization with potential long-term consequences.