During Eid, many women turn to henna as a form of decoration. However, as a dermatologist, I emphasize the importance of taking certain precautions to avoid unwanted skin complications. Here are the key tips regarding the differences between types of henna, potential risks, and best practices to ensure a safe experience.
1. What’s the difference between natural henna and chemically mixed henna?
- Natural Henna: Prepared from ground leaves of the henna plant. It is generally safe and gives a brown or dark red color without any chemical additives.
- Chemically Mixed Henna: Contains synthetic dyes such as para-phenylenediamine (PPD), which gives a very dark color—often black—but can cause severe allergic skin reactions.
- Medical Recommendation: I always advise using only natural henna and avoiding black henna or any product with unknown chemical additives.
2. What are the most common health risks of using henna, especially black henna?
- Severe Skin Allergies: These may appear within hours or days of application, including intense redness, itching, swelling, and even blisters or sores.
- Contact Dermatitis: Chemical henna can cause chronic skin inflammation, especially in sensitive individuals.
- Permanent Skin Pigmentation: Some black hennas may leave long-lasting stains or change in skin color.
- Chemical Burns: Unauthorized formulas may cause burns upon contact with skin.
3. Are there allergy tests women can do before applying henna?
Yes, I recommend all women do a simple patch test before applying henna to large areas:
- Apply a small amount of henna behind the ear or on the wrist.
- Wait for 24–48 hours.
- If no redness, irritation, or itching occurs, the product is likely safe to use.
4. What are the most common henna-related cases seen in clinics during Eid?
- Skin infections from using henna of unknown origin or contaminated tools.
- Severe allergic reactions requiring immediate treatment with corticosteroids and antihistamines.
- Permanent pigmentation due to chemical reactions with the skin.
- Skin burns caused by chemical ingredients in some types of black henna.
5. What advice would you give women who want to use henna without skin issues?
- Use only natural henna and avoid products with chemical dyes.
- Perform an allergy test before use.
- Do not apply henna on wounds or irritated skin.
- Moisturize the skin after removing henna to prevent dryness.
- Use clean, sterilized tools and preferably apply henna through a trusted professional.
- If you have a known skin allergy or eczema, consult a doctor before using any henna.
6. What are the risks of buying henna from unknown online sources?
- Unlicensed henna may contain harmful chemicals that cause skin infections.
- These products are not under health supervision, exposing consumers to major risks.
- They may contain bacterial or fungal contaminants that can lead to serious skin infections.
- Counterfeit products may trigger strong allergic reactions and require urgent medical intervention.
Conclusion
To ensure a safe henna experience during Eid, I strongly recommend using only natural henna and avoiding black henna or any product of unknown origin. Doing a patch test in advance is essential to avoid skin complications. If you notice any unusual symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
