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Published on: September 26, 2022
Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Pure Henna: A Systematic Review
Mounira Ben Yahia1,2, Mouna Korbi1,2, Hichem Belhadjali1,2
1Dermatology Department, Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital, Monastir, Tunisia.
Contact Dermatitis
|July 31, 2026
Summary
Pure henna can cause allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), even without additives. This review highlights clinical cases and management strategies for henna allergy, emphasizing the need for clinician awareness.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Allergology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Henna is a natural dye traditionally viewed as safe for cosmetic use.
- Increasing reports of dermatitis linked to henna, including pure forms, necessitate clinical review.
- Distinguishing reactions to pure henna from those caused by additives like para-phenyldiamine (PPD) is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a focused clinical overview of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) specifically caused by pure henna.
- To systematically review existing literature on confirmed cases of pure henna allergy.
- To consolidate information on clinical presentations, diagnosis, and management of pure henna ACD.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of studies reporting patch test-confirmed ACD to pure henna.
- Searched PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases without time or language restrictions.
- Included studies excluded black henna, additives, and review articles; data extraction by two independent reviewers.
Main Results:
- 13 studies met inclusion criteria, detailing cases of ACD from pure henna.
- Reactions occurred in women and children, presenting as localized dermatitis to hypersensitivity.
- Delayed ACD was most common, with patch testing as the gold standard for diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Pure henna can induce allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), contrary to traditional safety perceptions.
- Clinical manifestations vary, and diagnosis relies on patch or prick testing.
- Management primarily involves avoidance, with supportive treatments for severe reactions.
