BLACK HENNA TEMPORARY TATTOOS CAN CAUSE A SEVERE SKIN REACTION AND PERMANENT SCARRING SAYS THE FDA
(New York Daily News -Living and Health (5/6/13), FDA U.S. Food and Drug Administration Consumer Updates on “temporary tattoos may put you at risk”) The FDA has now warned consumers about the popular temporary tattoos, which use black henna. Some of these inks contain a coal tar derivative (p-phenylenediamine), which is commonly used in hair dye. This ingredient can trigger severe and long-lasting skin reactions. Some of the reported reactions include redness, blistering, weeping, loss of pigmentation, sensitivity to sunlight, and even permanent scarring. Reactions can occur immediately or even two or three weeks later. Generally, reddish-brown colored henna, which is a derivative from a flowering plant in Asia and Africa, and has been used for centuries, is safe. It goes only to the surface layer of the skin and then fades in a few days. It is the “black henna” that tends to contain the chemical PPD and causes the severe skin reaction in some people.
AS ALL OF US HEAD OUT ON VACATION THIS SUMMER TO THE BEACH, FAIRS, AND RESORTS, YOU WILL SEE HOW POPULAR TEMPORARY TATTOOS HAVE BECOME, AND HOW OFTEN YOUR CHILDREN OR YOUR COCKTAIL HAPPY FRIENDS WANT TO TRY ONE. IT IS RARE THAT ANY OF THESE VENDORS HAVE PASSED REGULATIONS FOR PROVIDING SAFE TEMPORARY TATTOOS. CHECK THAT THE INK IS NATURAL HENNA, WHICH WILL BE A LIGHTER REDDISH-BROWN, AVOID BLACK DYE, OR AVOID TATTOOS ALTOGETHER. IT SEEMS MOST OF THE SEVERE CASES HAPPENED IN CHILDREN, AND I WOULD DEFINITELY ADVISE CAUTION WHEN ALLOWING YOUR CHILD TO TRY A “TATT.” I HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU GO TO THE FDA WEBSITE AND VIEW THE PHOTOS SO THAT YOU MAY RECOGNIZE THE EARLY WARNING SIGNS OF A TATTOO GOING BAD. THEY ARE EDUCATIONAL AND NOT SCARY. IF IT’S TREATED EARLY WITH TOPICAL OR ORAL STEROIDS AND ANTIHISTAMINES, IT USUALLY WILL NOT SCAR. SO ENJOY YOUR SUMMER VACATION, BE SAFE, AND BRING YOUR SUNSCREEN!!!
Why Choose DSA Dermatology?
At DSA Dermatology, we bring to you the best of not one but three leading dermatologists in Plano TX,
At DSA Dermatology, we bring to you the best of not one but three leading dermatologists in Plano TX, Dr. Daniel S. Achtman, Dr. Carmine G. McConnell and Dr. Jordan. Achtman.
Dr. Achtman is a board-certified Dermatologist with over three decades of experience. Having graduated from the medical school of McMaster University, he also studied at the UTSW Medical Center in Dallas, TX where he also served in the Department of Dermatology. In addition to possessing extensive training and experience in cosmetic enhancement techniques, Dr. Achtman is widely known as a leading expert in the diagnosis and treatment of various skin cancers. He is an active member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Dr. Achtman goes the extra mile to understand your medical concerns and to ensure that he helps you meet your unique aesthetic goals.
Dr. Carmine G. McConnell is a board-certified physician in Plano TX. Having been trained at McMaster University, Canada, she went on to earn her board certification in Texas. Having served as Chief of Staff of her department at Plano Medical Center, she has over two decades of experience in practicing medicine in her practice and while assisting Dr. Achtman in the practice of dermatology. In addition to her extensive postgraduate training in laser therapy and aesthetic surgery, among other procedures, she possesses vast experience in both cosmetic dermatological techniques and family medicine. As a conscientious and caring physician, Dr. McConnell provides her patients with customized non-surgical treatments to help address health and aesthetic concerns related to the skin. She is also keen on helping patients understand their skin and how it can be cared for and protected.
Dr. Jordan Achtman is a board-certified dermatologist in DSA Dermatology at Plano, TX. Dr. J. Achtman graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and completed his residency in dermatology at UT Southwestern. His expertise spans general, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. Dr. J. Achtman also has various special interests including chronic itch, infectious diseases of the skin, and the relationship between mental health and skin health. He is also very keen on helping patients form healthy skincare regimens and habits. In the hands of Dr. J. Achtman, you can be assured of innovative and cutting edge solutions for all your skin concerns.