Fashion gone wrong: Nigerian lady experiences strange henna tattoo reaction

A Nigerian lady, who indulged in the traditional practice of temporary skin beautification using the henna plant, has suffered a rare allergic reaction. 

The henna tattoo has been a celebratory tradition in many countries for centuries. However, as it becomes more popular, an increasing number of people are trying out black henna dye, which can have serious side effects.

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Black henna often contains high levels of a chemical called paraphenylenediamine, or PPD. Although small amounts of PPD are commonly found in other cosmetic products, like hair dye, the level found in black henna has been shown to cause allergenic and hypersensitive reactions.

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In a video making rounds on the internet, a Nigerian lady, who got a floral tattoo design on her leg, fell victim to the black henna reaction.

Watch the video below:

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Not everyone has a reaction to black henna, but research reveals that it can be painful if you do. According to Dr Chris Flower, a Chartered Biologist with MSc and PhD degrees in toxicology,” the signs range from discomfort, such as burning or tingling, to painful stinging, swelling, redness and blistering of the skin”.