Allergic reaction to 'tattoo'

In reference to Nicky Aquilina's letter about dangerous henna tattoos, I would like to share some information about the types of henna we find.

There are two types of henna used in tattoos. The first is pure brown/red henna, which is made from a natural plant and has no additives.

However, there is also black/greenish henna, which is the only kind I've seen used in Malta probably because it's a longer lasting henna and ideal for the "tattoos".

Pure henna lasts a week and "black" henna lasts about two to three weeks. Also pure henna needs to stay on the skin overnight to take properly, while "black" henna only needs roughly an hour. "Black" henna is the kind more people are likely to have a bad allergic reaction to. "Black" henna is made by mixing henna with a chemical dye called PPD.

There exist strict European regulations about using PPD. It must not make up more than six per cent of the "black" henna and, if it is, the tattooist is breaking the law. So why is Malta different?

A high concentration of PPD can result in terrible scarring. Itching and blisters are the first signs that you are allergic to the PPD content.

I have experienced an allergic reaction myself to henna before and my wrists are still scarred now, almost a year later. They are exactly like burn scars. Oh well! At least they have a pretty pattern to them!