Henna

Synonyms

2-Hydroxy-1,4-naphthalenedione; 2-Hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone; 2-Hydroxynaphthoquinone; C.I. 75480; C.I. Natural Orange 6; Flower of paradise; HANA; Henna; Lawson; Lawsone; Mehendi; Mendi; [ChemIDplus]

Category

Plant-Derived Allergens

Sources/Uses

Henna is a dye obtained from a shrub that grows in northern Africa and southern Asia. It is used by hairdressers around the world to give a reddish color to the hair. [Encarta] The powdered leaves of Lawsonia inermis (Lythraceae) plant are used as brown hair dye. [ChemIDplus]

Comments

Occupational asthma reported in a hairdresser and herbal shop sales person; [Malo] Allergic contact dermatitis is extremely rare. [Reference #1] Henna can cause allergic contact urticaria. [Reference #2] Reactions to henna tattoos may be due to p-Phenylenediamine; [PMID 22181557]

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

Reference Link #2

Yes

Yes

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Asthma, occupational
• Contact dermatitis, allergic
• Contact urticaria

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Dressing Hair