SAN DIEGO, Aug 12, 2008 (UPI via COMTEX) -- U.S. doctors are warning black
henna used in temporary tattoos can cause long-term skin problems.
The tattoos, made with henna darkened with the chemical paraphenylenediamine,
can cause blisters, eczema and permanent scarring, the San Diego Union-Tribune
reported Tuesday.
The American Academy of Dermatology Association has endorsed a ban on the
paraphenylenediamine-adulterated henna tattoos.
Dr. Sharon Jacob, a dermatologist at Rady Children's Hospital, said the chemical
can result in long-term allergic reactions. She and four co-authors wrote a
commentary published in the Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, urging
the Food and Drug Administration to prevent tattoo artists from using black
henna.
"Even if you don't get a skin reaction immediately, the immune system is primed
to that chemical and remembers it for the rest of your life," Jacob told the
newspaper.
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