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Health Risks of Temporary Tattoos

Although most temporary tattoos are harmless to children and are frequently applied with no issues, there is a particular variation that is dangerous for kids. Parents are advised to read this information concerning black henna temporary tattoos and take the necessary steps to protect their children from potential harm.

  1. Problem

    • Black henna, or para-phenylenediamine (PPD), is the type of ink in temporary tattoos that can cause serious reactions when placed on a child's sensitive skin. The FDA has actually banned the use of PPD directly on skin, but the ink is still being mixed with other inks to increase the life of the temporary tattoo.

    Cause

    • The reason PPD reacts with the skin is because it is a strong sensitizer. A sensitizer is something your body is naturally allergic to or may become allergic to. A few other examples of sensitizers include mosquito bites and poison ivy. Your body's reaction to the sensitizer will increase the more often you are exposed. PPD can also be found in black hair dye, which is where adults more commonly run into exposure. Children tend to be hypersensitive to sensitizers, so a bout with PPD can be particularly painful and difficult.

    Effects

    • Blistering and itching will be the first two indicators of PPD exposure. The itching and blistering will occur anywhere from three to 13 days from the day of the tattoo. The blistering will occur directly on the area of the original design. The itching will also be localized, but if highly allergic you may experience itching and blistering all over the body. As with all blisters, there is the possibility of infection. The blistering will also cause scarring. The scarring can lead to permanent hypopigmentation, or loss of skin color. Infections can also enter the blood stream and cause a host of other health problems. The black henna mixture sometimes also includes benzene (which is also found in gasoline). Benzene quickly finds its way into the blood stream and causes everything from a bout of nausea to even death in the most serious cases.

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