We’re sure most parents wouldn’t think twice about letting their little ones indulge in a henna tattoo by the beach while on holiday. It’s harmless way to make the fun of the holiday last a little longer after landing, after all.
Well, not if this plea to other parents is anything to go by.
Speaking to Good To Know online, the Loxham family explained how the nightmare started on a trip to Malaga.
Dad Simon Loxham was walking along the beach with sons Gabe, six and Reuben, four. After sussing out a little store offering temporary tattoos, the boys immediately asked their mum and dad if they could be treated to a tatt.
Both boys had a henna tattoo done, and oldest son Gabe went for a scorpion tattoo over his arm.
Stock image used
While it seems like a nice memory at first, two weeks after the reddish-brown paste was applied, Gabe started to complain the tattoo was causing him pain.
The design began to swell, and left Gabe’s skin irritated, naturally worrying his parents.
They took him to the GP, who prescribed antibiotics to the little boy to calm the reaction to the natural dye, although doctors speculate that he will be scarred for life.
Dad Simon told Good to Know website that the GPs even recommended bathing the young boy in Savlon or diluted Dettol in order to try and get the infection that had launched an attack on the kids entire body.
As a precaution, he’s been advised to stay away from other substances that he may react to, such as hair dye.
Although henna is usually natural and made from the powdered leaves of a tropical shrub, Gabe’s summer ink was done using black henna.
This variety contains a chemical toxic dye called ParaPhenylenediamine (PPD) which can sink into the skin and into the bloodstream. Like with Gabe, the toxins can be within your body causing damage even if you don’t have an immediate reaction to it on the skin.
Unfortunately, black henna is often preferred over brown or red henna at popular tourist destinations, as it stains skin almost immediately and takes less care and time to see results.
Obviously, the Loxham family were shocked and outraged at not being made aware the risks of the chemical-ridden formula.
Simon explained:
“We really just want to raise awareness so other parents know the risks of the 'temporary' tattoos and how dangerous they can be for some children.”
And they are't the only ones to be affected by this shock reaction.
So much so, NHS onlinehave even posted a warning, too.
It reads: "If you see a shop or stall offering to paint black tattoos onto your skin, don’t be tempted to get one. It could leave you scarred for life and put you at risk of a life-threatening allergic reaction.
"Real henna, which is generally safe to use, is an orange colour, with a red or brown tint to it. Dr Flower says that everyone should be suspicious of black 'tattoos'."
So there you have it...
Have you let your kid get a henna tattoo on holiday?
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