Temporary henna tattoos and hypertrichosis: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Background Temporary black henna tattooing is highly popular among children and young adults in some regions. The unmonitored addition of different products to darken the color of pure henna has been the cause of many tattoo-associated dermatoses.

Observation Hypertrichosis secondary to henna pseudotattoo is a rare, newly recognized cutaneous manifestation. Only 4 case reports of henna tattooing causing localized hypertrichosis have been reported in the literature. We report a case of hypertrichosis and eczematous reaction to temporary henna tattoo.

Conclusion Hypertrichosis secondary to black henna is independent of the presence of contact dermatitis. The mechanism by which black henna induces hair growth remains unclear.