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. 2020 Nov;37(6):1063-1067.
doi: 10.1111/pde.14349. Epub 2020 Sep 14.

Efficient removal of black henna tattoos

David M Ferrari  1 , Johanna C Hoffmann  1 , Michael P Schön  1 , Undine Lippert  1
Affiliations

Efficient removal of black henna tattoos

David M Ferrari et al. Pediatr Dermatol. 2020 Nov.

Abstract

Background/objectives: Para-phenylenediamine, a dye frequently added to henna tattoos to create the black color, is a potent contact allergen. Severe contact dermatitis may arise within days even after the first application. Our objective was to develop a method for rapid and complete removal of para-phenylenediamine-containing black henna tattoos from the skin, an important problem many physicians are confronted with, but for which no simple method exists.

Methods: A database search revealed polyethylene glycol 400, described in removal of ortho-phenylenediamine from contaminated skin. We therefore investigated its use in removal of the structurally related ortholog para-phenylenediamine present in black henna tattoos.

Results: A protocol was established involving repeated cycles of rinsing of the skin with polyethylene glycol 400 solution. In 5 patients, one of whom had already developed a severe blistering contact dermatitis and another a mild erosive dermatitis, black henna tattoos were successfully removed. Removal was completed in a single session of 1 hour or less, depending on tattoo size, with a maximum of 6 rinse cycles.

Conclusions: We provide a simple and safe method for rapid and effective removal of black henna tattoos. This procedure requires no special equipment and can be applied in virtually any setting.

Keywords: black henna; contact dermatitis; phenylenediamine; polyethylene glycol; tattoo.

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References

REFERENCES

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