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Henna Tattoos Save Email Print
Reporter: Christian De La Rosa

A | A | A

The black henna tattoo is known for being the closest to the real thing, but even though a henna style tattoo will only last a few weeks, health officials are warning residents to watch out for allergic reactions.

The temporary tattoo could scar you for life. A black henna tattoo is meant to last only a few weeks, and that's why they're popular.

Chelsie Roy, a PCB tourist, said, "I was thinking of getting a real one and I kind of tried it out to see what it was going to look like and see if I liked it for the rest of my life."

Whether you like the look or not, what is meant to be temporary can mark you for life.

Dr. Jason Newsom with the Bay County Health Department said, "When you take natural henna and add a second ingredient, which is commonly referred to as PPD."

PPD prohibited by the FDA because of its potential allergic reactions. That can leave you with permanent scarring, but that's not all.

"It can get more serious you can get an actual infection as your skin becomes inflamed.

We tried contacting some of the henna tattoo artists for comment, but were either not available for comment or just didn't want to say anything, and health officials say this may be a sign the henna tattoo business is dying down.

"I was happy that the majority of business owners on Panama City Beach have voluntarily stopped allowing black henna artist to set up in their booths."

And if you're still planning to get a black henna tattoo, Dr. Newsom's recommendation is don't.

The Bay County Health Department plans to present a proposal to the Panama City Beach commission that would make black henna tattoos illegal in Panama City Beach.

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Posted by: Amanda Location: Panama City on Feb 26, 2009 at 05:18 PM
understand that what is being used is not a all natural henna- most cases what people are calling "black henna" is normally hair dye- people ask the right questions of the people who are putting the product on you- know what is being used!! the wrond item can scar!!!

Posted by: Holly Location: Winona, MN on Jul 30, 2007 at 09:44 AM
What is so frustrating is that these are not true natural henna tattoos, but adulterated henna mixes (if contain henna at all). This is BANNED for use on skin! Henna is NEVER black alone. People are compromising their health for something that looks like a black real tattoo instead of the beauty of real, safe henna. No one should have black PPD applied anywhere. True henna is fantastic.

Posted by: Jen Location: Indiana on Jul 30, 2007 at 06:41 AM
Please note that natural henna, without the addition of PPD, is perfectly safe. The best way to tell if your getting a safe henna "tattoo" is to ask the artist what color the tattoo will be when the paste if first removed. A natural henna design will initially be orange and take a day or two to turn chocolate brown. A black "henna" will be brown or black right away.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 17, 2007 at 08:11 AM
Why do I feel a sudden rise in henna tattoo's? When you tell folks not to do something, then it becomes popular ( shaking my head)

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