THE British Skin Foundation would like to warn South Ayrshire of the dangers of ‘black henna’ temporary tattoos (BHTTs).
Research among dermatologists in 2015 revealed they are seeing an increase in reactions at their clinics across the UK.
Parents hoping to leave sunny Ayrshire and treat their children to a temporary tattoo this summer on holiday or at the funfair as well as party-goers at festivals, may not realise the dangers of BHTTs.
Experts have said the majority of BHTTs are not based on henna at all, but a substance called para-phenylenediamine (PPD) which is found in hair dyes.
PPD is allowed for use in hair dye, but its use for skin contact products such as temporary tattoos is illegal in the European Union.
When PPD is used on the skin in this way it can cause blistering, painful skin burns and may even lead to scarring. It can also leave the person with a lifelong sensitivity to PPD, which increases the risk of a severe allergic reaction when using hair dye.
Dr Anjali Mahto, Consultant Dermatologist & British Skin Foundation Spokesperson reinforced the findings saying: “Black henna is well known to cause skin reactions and should be treated with caution, particularly in children.”
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