indigo-carmine and 4-phenylenediamine

We report a case of a 50-year-old lady with allergic contact dermatitis to para-phenylenediamine, who in her quest to find a substitute hair dye, subsequently reacted to a number of plant-based hair dyes, including pure henna, black tea and indigo powder respectively. While these substances all contain tannins, testing to possible constituents tannic acid and gallic acid was negative.

Topics: Allergens; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Female; Hair Dyes; Humans; Indigo Carmine; Lawsonia Plant; Middle Aged; Patch Tests; Phenylenediamines; Pruritus; Scalp Dermatoses; Severity of Illness Index; Tea

Dye mixtures containing henna, P-phenylenediamine (PPD), and indigo are applied to the skin in various parts of the world for religious purposes, social recognition or fun.. To identify eventual allergens responsible for contact sensitization to skin decoration in three young children. Lesions remained strictly limited to the site painted during the summer holiday. None of the children had a previous history of contact dermatitis, but two of them suffered from severe seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.. Patch testing revealed severe contact hypersensitivity to PPD in all three patients, and one child presented a positive prick test to 1% henna in water. The eruptions resolved following spontaneous elimination of the dyes and topical applications of corticosteroids, but left residual depigmentation.. PPD is the main allergen identified in allergic reactions to decorative skin paintings.

Topics: Adolescent; Child; Coloring Agents; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Indigo Carmine; Indoles; Patch Tests; Phenylenediamines; Risk Assessment; Tattooing