A temporary tattoo can be an attractive idea, but the truth is that it has its contraindications. A statement from the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products warns about the risks of henna in contact with the skin.
Summer is coming, good weather is coming and people are starting to prepare their beach getaways. Precisely in these places, it is common to see sellers with different tattoo templates that they make with henna mixing at the moment.
Getting a temporary tattoo that will go away is an attractive idea, but the truth is that it may not be as beautiful as it seems.
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As explained by the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS) in a statement, black henna can cause itching, spots and even blisters on the skin. Also scarring or contact dermatitis and even, in some cases, medical attention or hospitalization may be required. Those are just the short-term effects.
In the long term, however, henna could cause permanent sensitization.
“In future contacts with this substance, present for example in some hair dyes, it can cause intense allergic reactions”, the note collects.
To prevent such skin problems, Aemps recommends being cautious with tattoo offerings at outdoor events and avoiding black tattoos or long-lasting ones. If it is too late because you have already done it, you should go to the nearest medical service as soon as possible if you have any symptoms.
Temporary tattoos yes, but with natural henna
The Aemps launches this statement to alert the public of the adverse effects of tattoos made with black henna, but not those of natural henna.
How to differentiate one from the other? Very easy.
Natural henna is reddish in color and will disappear after 3 to 4 days. The dye is obtained solely from the leaves and flowers of the Lawsonia inermis shrub, a plant known for its mineral salts and antioxidant effect.
On the other hand, black henna tattoos are black and their appearance is brighter.
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Although they contain natural henna, they are also composed of colorants such as P-Phenylenediamine (PPD), whose direct use is completely prohibited on the skin.
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