June 17, 2006
Allergies to Henna
There are some people who are allergic to henna, but this is very rare! The reaction to pure henna is a Type I allergic reaction, entirely different from and unrelated to the frequent Type IV sensitization to PPD in synthetic hair dyes. It is very unusual for a person who is allergic to PPD in synthetic hair dyes to also be allergic to henna.
There have been only a few reports of Type I, IgE-mediated allergic reactions to pure henna. This allergic reaction includes a tight feeling in the chest, sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, and a dry cough. The onset is soon after the person is exposed to henna powder or paste. If you think you might be allergic to henna, dab henna on your forearm and wait one hour. If you do not have the symptoms above within that hour, you are not allergic to henna.
Type IV allergic reactions to PPD occur up to 10 days after exposure, so a patch test is NOT useful in determining synthetic hair dye allergy. Even if you have not had a reaction to hair dye before, the probability of sensitization increases with use. Synthetic hair dye allergic reactions include blistering, edema, rashes, itching, hair loss, and rare complications including death
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