naphthoquinones and Hypopigmentation

Allergic contact dermatitis from nonpermanent black henna tattoos has been frequently reported, particularly in children. Contamination or adulteration of the dyes with para-phenylendiamine has been identified as major cause of active sensitization and elicitation of severe allergic contact dermatitis. Sequelae include permanent sensitization, hyper- or hypopigmentation, scarring, keloids, and hypertrichosis. We report a rare case of irritant dermatitis to an unknown ingredient in a black henna tattoo with consecutive hypopigmentation. Sensitization to para-phenylendiamine and other para-compounds was excluded by patch test evaluation. This is relevant for future exposure to consumer products such as hair dyes or in occupational settings. Generally, black henna tattoos, particularly if done with dyes of unknown composition, should be strongly discouraged.

Topics: Child; Coloring Agents; Dermatitis, Contact; Humans; Hypopigmentation; Immunization; Male; Naphthoquinones; Phenylenediamines; Tattooing

Topics: Adult; Cicatrix; Coloring Agents; Drug Hypersensitivity; Humans; Hypopigmentation; Male; Naphthoquinones; Tattooing

In the last years there have been increasing reports of adverse cutaneous reactions to temporary black henna tattoos. Black henna does not exist naturally, it is obtained from original henna after the addition of other compounds, among them paraphenylenediamine (PPD), that darken it and facilitate the process of tattoing. Paraphenylenediamine is an aromatic compound that presents cross reactions with other components that have a benzene ring in their molecular structure. Many of these products may be present in the daily life of any person.. We reviewed patients that have shown erythema, inflammation and/or vesiculation in a previously tattooed area. The patients have undergone a temporary tattoo in street stalls during the summer period (2004-2005). A total of five patients were included, there were four men and one woman with a mean age of 13 years (3-34) and a mean latency period of 9.4 days (5-14). Black ink and plastic stencils were used to perform the tattoo. None of the patients has had previous contact with hair dyes or tattoos and none of them referred a personal history of atopic dermatitis. Patch testing was carried out using the standard set of the Spanish Group for Research in Contact Dermatitis [GEIDC] (TRUE TEST, Pharmacia. Hillerod. Denmark), with readings at 48 and 96 hours.. Sensitization to PPD is confirmed in three patients, one of them was also sensitized to formaldehyde. Hypopigmented scars persist in three patients.. Black henna pseudotattoos are a source of sensitization to PPD with potential severe consequences in a medium to long term. Currently there is no specific legislation with respect to the practice of this type of tattoos in our country.

Topics: Adult; Benzoquinones; Biotransformation; Child; Child, Preschool; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Female; Humans; Hypopigmentation; Ink; Male; Naphthoquinones; Patch Tests; Phenylenediamines; Prodrugs; Tattooing

Topics: Allergens; Arm; Child, Preschool; Coloring Agents; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Humans; Hypopigmentation; Naphthoquinones; Patch Tests

Skin tattooing with henna seems a safe alternative to permanent skin tattooing. Contact dermatitis due to henna is rare. Most of the reactions are due to additives, especially paraphenylenediamine, which is added to speed up the process of skin dyeing and to give a darker brown to black colour ('black' henna) instead of the otherwise reddish brown henna colour. Paraphenylenediamine is a well-known strong sensitizer, particularly due to its use as a hair dye. Three patients, two boys aged 8 and 10 years and a 30-year-old woman, developed allergic contact dermatitis after skin painting, after which hypopigmentation remained. Patch tests with paraphenylenediamine were strongly positive in all three patients. This positive reaction means that they will never be able to dye their hair and that they have an increased risk of cross-reactions with other dyes, but also with local anaesthetics, sulfonamides, para-aminoazobenzoic acid or para-aminosalicylic acid.

Topics: Adult; Child; Coloring Agents; Cross Reactions; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Female; Humans; Hypopigmentation; Male; Naphthoquinones; Patch Tests; Phenylenediamines; Tattooing

Topics: Adult; Coloring Agents; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Hypersensitivity, Delayed; Hypopigmentation; Immunization; Leg Dermatoses; Naphthoquinones; Patch Tests; Perfume; Tattooing

A young girl presented with a hypopigmentation in the shape of the sun. During a holiday in Egypt 3 months before a non-permanent henna tattoo had been applied on her right upper arm. Three to 4 days later there was a severe cutaneous reaction followed by massive swelling of the arm. The lesion took 6 weeks to subside. Patch testing revealed positive reactions to para-phenylenediamine (PPD) but not to henna or any other standard allergen. Especially in Arabic countries PPD is a common additive in natural henna preparations to enhance the weak colouring properties of the natural henna dye. We conclude that henna preparations may contain 'hidden' allergens, such as PPD, which can provoke severe cutaneous reaction without any cosensitization to the henna dye itself.

Topics: Child; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Hypersensitivity, Delayed; Hypopigmentation; Naphthoquinones; Patch Tests; Risk Assessment; Tattooing