Contact Dermatitis Due To A Henna Tattoo: A Case Report

Abstract

Sandra Nora Gonzalez-Díaz, Alejandra Macias Weinmann, Barbara Elizondo Villarreal, Cindy Elizabeth de Lira Quezada, Rosa Ivett Guzman Avilan and Rosalaura Virginia Villarreal Gonzalez

Allergic contact dermatitis is a late hypersensitivity reaction caused after the skin is exposed to a specific allergen. Temporary henna tattoos have become very popular in children and adults.The organic compound, p-phenylendiamine (PPD) is frequently added to the henna pigment to make it darker.

A 13 year old patient with a personal history of asthma and allergic rhinitis with immunotherapy for sensitization to Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus who presented since once week prior to consultation,skin lesions consisting of pruritic erythematous papules on his right forearm 3 days after applying a henna tattoo. During the physical examination, the skin lesions were marked in the shape and definition of the tattoo and mild desquamation was observed.

Skin patch tests (Bial Aristegui Standard Contact Dermatitis Panel, Spain) were applied with positive results to p-phenylendiamine 1% with 2++ (strong positive reaction with vesicular erythema, infiltration and papules) in the first reading 48 hours later. The second reading was performed upon 96 hours of applying the tests, finding a 3 +++ (extreme positive reaction with intense erythema and infiltration, coalescing vesicles, bullous reaction) result and confirming it 7 days later. The patient was treated with a medium potency topical corticosteroid, mometasone 0.1% and cetirizine 10 mg twice a day for 7 days showing resolution of his skin lesions and symptoms. Temporary henna tattoos have been associated with a variety of inflammatory skin reactions.

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