An allergic reaction to henna usually results in a blistered, red, and raised rash on the exact areas where it was applied to the skin. When henna ink is used for temporary tattoos, this results in a rash in oftentimes elaborate shapes and designs. All other areas usually remain unharmed. Very severe reactions could lead to additional swelling, trouble breathing, and wheezing. These instances are very rare, but should be taken seriously.
Most of the time an allergic reaction to henna occurs when someone uses a henna-based ink for the purpose of body art. Henna tattoos are not usually made from 100% real henna, though, and reactions can be in response to chemical additives found in these inks rather than to the henna itself. Real henna is a plant which can be used to create dye, and allergic reactions are rare when pure inks are used. The addictive paraphenylenediamine is the most common chemical related to an allergic reaction to henna body art.
In the vast majority of cases, a reaction is not considered dangerous. Sufferers may develop an itchy red rash in the exact shape their henna tattoo, with all surrounding skin remaining the unharmed. Rashes may also form blisters which can eventually bleed and scab. Once the symptoms of an allergic reaction to henna begin to subside, however, long-term signs can remain. For instance, many people experience permanent scarring or skin discoloration long after the reaction has ended.
To prevent long-term damage to the skin, those who are having an allergic reaction to henna should speak with a dermatologist. A prescription anti-itch cream and inflammation reducer may be given. Scratching increases the risk for scarring, so this should be avoided when possible. Some patients may also be given additional medication to help reduce the risk of scars.
Before getting a henna tattoo, it is advised that consumers ask well in advance which ingredients are being used in the ink. Allergic reactions to natural henna are rare, so pure inks are typically considered safe. If paraphenylenediamine is used, a small amount should be placed on the skin in an obscure area to see how the skin will react. If any redness or swelling occurs, the ink should be washed off immediately and the area should be rinsed with cool water. Those who have had a previous allergic reaction to henna hair dyes should generally avoid henna-based inks because they each contain similar potentially irritating ingredients.
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burcidi
Post 3 |
@feruze-- I did have an allergic reaction to henna. This wasn't the henna that you put on your hands but the henna that you put on your hair as hair dye.
I mixed it with water and started applying it to my hair with a brush. It was fine for the first ten minutes but all of the sudden, I felt this intense burning sensation on my scalp. I looked at my scalp and it looked like my scalp was changing color, like becoming very white.
I completely freaked out, ran to the shower and washed my scalp and hair right away. I didn't lose any hair thankfully, but my scalp hurt for several days afterward. It was scary. |
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fify
Post 2 |
@feruze-- There isn't anything called "hypo-allergic henna." But I've been doing henna on my hands for years and I've never had an allergic reaction to it.
Henna is actually all-natural, it is made from the dried leaves of the henna tree. But some products, especially those pre-packaged, pre-mixed henna cones and black henna have chemicals and other ingredients in them.
If you buy green powdered henna (this is the original natural form) and mix it yourself with water at home, the chance of an allergic reaction will be very low. You can always do an allergy test on your skin with a little henna several days before. If your skin turns red, gets bumps or starts itching, don't use it. |
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feruze
Post 1 |
Oh wow, I didn't know that henna could cause an allergic reaction. I've heard so much about henna art designs and I had finally decided to have an Indian style henna party before my wedding.
My best friend is Indian and she told me that it is tradition in India and in many other countries for brides to have henna designs done on their hands before a wedding. I've seen pictures of it and it looks beautiful.
But now I'm kind of worried because I have sensitive skin. It would be disaster if I got a rash and blisters before my wedding.
Has anyone had an allergic reaction to henna? Is there such a thing as hypo-allergic henna? |
