Mum shares horror pictures after son gets henna tattoo on Bali holiday

A mum has warned of the dangers of black henna after showing the horror images of her son's temporary holiday tattoo.

The parent, from Sydney, Australia, showed off the after effects of the artwork from the family trip to Bali. She shared the images to Facebook group Bali Bogans, detailing how her child received the tattoo in Seminyak. His arm broke out in a red, raised reaction seven days later.

Holidaymakers are finding out the hard way that not all 'henna' ink is the same, and it can actually leave you with gruesome burns and scarring. The mum spoke about the dangers, and urged others to be sure what they're getting. “My kiddo got a henna tattoo at Seminyak beach and had this reaction,” she wrote alongside the photos on the page.

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“It happened about a week later once we got back home thank goodness. It may not happen to you but just wanted to share anyway.”

“He has never had a reaction like this before. It’s spreading but no pain and just incredibly itchy,” The boy was prescribed cream, antibiotics and is now taking antihistamines, she added. Another parent added her own experience on the facebook group after her child suffered something similar.

“She was prescribed cortisone when we got back to Australia … healed nicely but left a white marking of the tattoo for a month or so," the woman said. “Sadly I don’t think I have ever seen a positive post about henna tattoos in Bali. Reactions like this are common unfortunately.”

NHS advice on black henna tattoos

Black henna can be very dangerous, the NHS specifically warns against its use thanks to a chemical in the liquid which can be incredibly harmful to skin.

Paraphenylenediamine (PPD) is legally allowed to be used in hair dyes within the EU, but this usage is strictly controlled.

But black henna often contains high levels of PPD and, when applied to the skin, can cause chemical burns or allergic reactions.

Advice on the official website reads: "If you see a shop or stall offering to paint black tattoos onto your skin, don’t be tempted to get one.

"It could leave you scarred for life and put you at risk of a life-threatening allergic reaction. "Often called "black henna" or "neutral henna" tattoos, these patterns painted onto your skin are readily available abroad. They may also be available in the UK, at festivals and fairs, and to buy online.

"But the black paste used in these temporary tattoos may contain high levels of a chemical dye so powerful and toxic that it is illegal to use it on the skin in this way."

How do you know if it's safe to use?

Check the colour. Real henna is generally safe for the skin and has a red, orange or brown tint to it.

Dr Chris Flower, director general of the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association. says that everyone should be suspicious of black "tattoos".

"Real henna is never black, but is orange-brown," he explains. "Any very dark temporary tattoo should be treated with caution."

He says there are rules to follow. If there is a list of ingredients, check for PPD and do not use the product if it contains this If in doubt, always stay away.