I’m not an authority on ink, but I have read many a horror story in the press about holiday makes getting henna tattoo and then turning nasty, leaving people withs burns and lasting scars.

I have only ever read one article (last year I think), where by a footballer had an advverse reaction to tattoo ink. Not into football so can’t remember his name.

Henna tattoos are far more scary that the real thing in my opinion. I had one once and could’t wait fo it to fade (luckily no adverse reaction for me). I ‘d never have another henna tattoo…far to dangerous.

Purplestar

Hi

I looked into some sites on what Henna actually contains and to be frank I was horrified that this shit is not more strongly regulated.

In essence it is used from plants and crushed into a paste using turpentine and/or monoterpene alcohols. Many of the plants used also contain monoterpene alcohols.

This added to the paste. Some unscrupulous vendors use other hydrocarbon solvents (petrol aka gasolene and kerotene) to get a darker stain on the paste.

That is usually what causes the skin to blister, scar, or burn.

It would seem that they tend to use low toxicity from eucalyptus oils but there are several species and results and level of toxicity may vary.

Stay well away is my advice. If you have problems with it bathe regulary and apply a small amount of anti-septic cream for 3-5 days then apply a dermatogiocal cream such as E45 to reduce any rash.

Take Care
Matthew