Not-So-Safe Temporary Tattoos

We've all been asked, or asked ourselves - if you were to get a tattoo, what would you have? For some, temporary tattoos are the perfect solution, a chance to try before you buy.

But scientists from Taiwan now claim that temporary Henna tattoos may not be as safe as they sound.

Tourists to Thailand and Bali often experience allergic reactions to the dye used in temporary tattoos and Dr Wen-Hung Chung and a team of researchers set out to find out why. The team found most dyes contained a colouring additive called p-phenylenediamine (PPD) which is the "principal cause responsible" for all allergic reactions to Henna tattoos.

Allergic reactions to temporary tattoos are less common in Europe and the United States because most dyes available in these regions do not contain the additive, and because the practice is less widespread (temporary tattooing has been practiced in Asia, Africa and the Middle-East for 9,000 years).

However, American dermatologist Dr Jeffrey Dover warns "Allergic skin reactions to this kind of temporary tattooing could start to increase, because tattooing is epidemic in this country". He adds " I think it's imperative for anyone considering...a temporary tattoo to make sure they're not allergic to Henna or anything in the dye. Just because it's temporary, it's not magically safe".

Saturday, 2 February 2002