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INKEDblog takes you beneath the skin of today's tattoo culture. Our mission is to celebrate tattooing as a modern art form which incorporates art, fashion, style, and pop culture. While paying homage and respect to the past, we look to present a contemporary take on the present and future of skin art.
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Thursday May 18, 2006
Dear INKEDblog: PPD in the Ink?
Hi INKEDblog,
I just read the following extract on your website archives and wanted to ask a quick question:
“Henna tattoos always get more popular in the summer, but it's important to be aware that they aren't for everyone. Black henna often contains the chemical paraphenylenediamine (PPD). People who know they're allergic to PPD, or to hair dyes, should avoid getting henna tattoos, as they'll suffer from an allergic reaction that can involve blistering as well as itching and burning sensations. If you suffer from more general plant allergies you won't necessarily be allergic to henna but should be careful nonetheless.”
I had a black henna tattoo on my arm in Egypt and it resulted in a weeping mass of sores across the pattern I had drawn on this then scarred leaving me with a delightful pattern for about 3 years. Recently, I dyed my hair black and same situation occurred on my head!
I assume it would be safe to say I’m allergic to paraphenylenediamine (PPD). My question may be obvious but I couldn’t find much else on the Internet and I have no patience - Is paraphenylenediamine (PPD) used in the ink for tattoos also? I have a couple of black tattoos already and want more, however not at the risk of turning into some festering mess. Any advice would be greatly appreciated
Zach
Dear Zach,
Thanks for the summer warning about Henna tattoos.
In answer to the first part of your question, yes, if you have an allergic reaction to PPD, it is common to be Extremely sensitive to many forms of chemicals afterwards. Hair dye is particularly common, but many people become allergic to perfumes, deodorants and soaps as well.
As for the tattoo question, tattoo ink should Never contain PPD. That said, many artists mix their own ink and they use a variety of substances. It is possible to be allergic to the other substances, especially if you are highly sensitive.
Advice? Go to a good tattoo studio and explain your allergy. Ask them to verify every ingredient in the tattoo ink and carrier. Make sure you are not allergic to any of the ingredients before getting tattooed. Then, only get a test spot tattooed and wait a day before continuing.
If the shop is unable to do this because they get their ink pre-mixed, ask them to recommend someone or to buy ink for you from a company that guarantees its ingredients. More and more companies are listing all ingredients before selling ink. (As they should!)
A final note, black ink is one of the least allergenic colors.
Good Luck!
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