Dermatology

Temporary tattoos pose a risk

Paraphenylenediamine (PPD), which enters into the composition of temporary tattoos, can be harmful. Danielle Marcoux, a Full Clinical Professor at Université de Montréal and a dermatologist at Sainte-Justine Hospital, was faced with undeniable proof of this when an adolescent experiencing a full-blown allergy crisis came to her office. “She was suffering a serious scalp reaction after her first tattoo. Given the severity of the reaction, I realized that she had already been sensitized to the chemical without knowing it. I thought of temporary tattoos. She confirmed that she had had one the year before, and that it had caused a strong cutaneous eruption.”

Dr Danielle Marcoux is a specialist in skin problems among adolescents: tattoos, piercing, and other artistic fantasies hold no secrets for her. She was therefore already aware of the potentially harmful effects of one of the components of permanent hair dyes and the “magical” ingredient henna, a product inspired by traditional North African tattoos.

“Henna is naturally an orange colour: as a result the image does not appear very clearly on the skin. PPD is added to increase the visibility and lifetime of the tattoo,” she explains. PPD is one of the six elements most easily responsible for contact allergies if it is applied directly to the skin.

When it is used in hair products PPD rarely causes any problems, since the mass of hair protects the skin. However, in a tattoo, the chemical tends to penetrate and it is easier to be sensitized to it. A small temporary indulgence could become a permanent problem.

Once a person is sensitized to PPD, he or she becomes allergic to all hair colourings and all chemical substances with a similar structure, such as certain local anesthetics (mesocaine and procaine) and many antiseptics. “Sensitization to PPD also opens the door to a series of allergic reactions. Once the harm has been done, you remain sensitized for the rest of your life,” the dermatologist notes.

Body “marking” is increasingly popular. Tattoos are no longer an exclusive practice of bikers, prisoners and sailors! In some parts of Canada, up to 20% of students have either permanent or temporary tattoos. “What was considered a marginal phenomenon until recently is commonplace today,” Danielle Marcoux explains. Advertising and the media have gotten the message: they present tattoos as a daring but risk-free behaviour. There is even a tattooed Barbie doll!”