Maha Christopher
Popular health influencer and medical doctor, Chinonso Egemba, has warned that the use of fake or black henna can cause severe skin reactions, including permanent scars and keloids.
According to The Punch, Egemba issued the warning in a video shared on Monday following growing reports on social media of adverse reactions linked to henna use.
He cautioned that some of the injuries caused by fake henna could have lifelong consequences.
“There are some scars that may never leave for the rest of her life,” he said.
Egemba explained that natural henna is derived from the Lawsonia inermis plant and typically produces a brownish, reddish or orange colour, making it generally safe for use.
“There are two types of henna… the natural henna. It gives you a brownish, reddish, orange colour. That one is generally safe,” he said.
However, he warned that the black version commonly used by some people is not natural henna and often contains paraphenylenediamine, also known as PPD, a chemical frequently used in hair dye products.
According to him, the chemical can trigger allergic contact dermatitis when applied to the skin, causing redness, swelling, itching and pain.
“If PPD touches your skin, your immune system can see it like a problem. That fight is causing all the redness, all the itching, all the swelling, all the pain,” he explained.
Egemba noted that first time users may not experience symptoms immediately, as reactions can take between seven and 14 days to develop, while individuals previously exposed to the chemical may react within one to three days.
He identified intense itching, burning sensations, redness, swelling and blisters that follow the shape of the henna design as common warning signs.
The medical doctor warned that severe reactions could result in lasting skin damage.
“In serious cases, the blisters will break and start to leak. In some worse cases, you might leave a permanent scar. If you’re the kind of person who gets keloid, you might get a keloid also.
“If the henna is very black, that is a red flag. Natural henna is never black,” he warned.
Egemba advised that mild reactions could be managed by washing the affected area with soap and water and applying cold compresses, while severe cases should be treated by medical professionals.
He also urged individuals experiencing spreading blisters or breathing difficulties to seek urgent medical attention.
The health expert encouraged the public to verify the ingredients of henna products and conduct patch tests before use, stressing that caution remains the best way to avoid long term skin damage.
