Posted by Anna on Thursday, 29. October 1998 at 10:25 Bali Time:
In Reply to: Tattoo sickness posted by Sue on Wednesday, 28. October 1998 at 21:48 Bali Time:
In the Herald-Sun newspaper in Melbourne there have been several reports of people having adverse reactions to the temporary henna tattoes. This is their advice summarised. There are two sorts of henna tattos - the natural brown henna ones and the black henna ones. The black ones are usually the culprit because they have had hair dye added to them. Some may also have petrol added to them. You should smell the liquid, if it smells like petrol, don't use that person. Get a small test done on your arm and wait a few days. If you have no reaction, then its probably okay to go back to the same person and have it done. The natural brown ones prevent sun getting through to the skin, but the black henna ones can absorb more sun and cause burns so they should be protected well from the sun. This is what the doctors quoted in the paper have said. Some people have had very bad reactions to them which will require plastic surgery to cover up, but many other people have had no problems. It just depends on the sensitivity of your skin which is why you should have it tested first.