Following are the comments from concerned readers who set the record straight. There is a difference between natural henna and black henna.
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Dear Guide,
As part of your allergies site regarding henna you described a potentially serious dermatitis reaction to "henna" previously seen in India and now seen in the United States. Unfortunately within this site you did not make the distinction between "black henna" and more traditional henna powder derived from the the henna (lawsonia) plant.
The reaction you showed is commonly seen in individuals who have had a henna design done with "black henna" which in fact is NOT henna at all but a transdermal chemical coloring agent known as PPD. This agent has been found carcinogenic and toxic by the FDA and its use has been banned in several countries. This coloring agent has also been found to effect the mucous membranes, liver, and kidneys of those who use it.
Natural henna, and the typically orange-brown designs produced on the skin, when mixed with lemon juice, water, or tea is NOT a transdermal agent, and has not been found to produce any allergic reactions. Rare allergic reactions are most commonly due to clove or eucalyptus oil (additives sometimes used when mixing henna powder), not the actual henna powder.
The allergic reactions to henna in India are often due to one of several factors. One, frequently PPD laced black henna is used for a black (not brown) design. Second, Indian and Arabic practitioners often use one of the following chemical agents to produce a dark stain: acetone, kerosene, ashes, or rubbing alcohol. Any of which may be the cause of a dermatological reaction.
Responsible and ethical American henna artists have been trying to put the word out about the dangers of "Black henna" and this site is NOT helping. You are implying that ALL henna is dangerous when in fact "Black Henna" is the primary culprit. Please, if you would like accurate chemical and dermatological information about Henna, or PPD please consult Hennapage.com for accurate information. In future, myself and other henna artists would appreciate accurate and appropriately scientifically referenced information to be produced on this site.
Thank you,
Linda RobertelloOther Sites with INFOhttp://allergies.about.com/library/blhennawarnings2.htmhttp://www.hennapage.com/henna/ppd/ppdmed.htmlhttp://allergies.about.com/library/blhennawarnings2.htm
