YOU MAY COME ACROSS vendors selling "Black Henna."

Natural henna will only dye the skin a reddish-brown color, the shade of which can vary from light to dark depending upon many factors. Any product that claims to be colored henna *may* have henna in it, but it will also have other chemical additives which are required to make the color come out any different than reddish-brown.

While most of these additives may be harmless, you should pay special attention to avoid what is sold and marketed as "Black Henna." The pictures on this page show burns, blistering and scarring caused by the chemical usually found in Black Henna: Paraphenylenediamene, or as it's more commonly referred to, PPD. These additives are toxic and can cause long term health problems. PPD can also build up in your body over time showing no problems after the initial exposure, but which may develop into rashes or other serious conditions later.

The use of PPD in this manner is illegal in the United States. If you've been exposed to PPD, you should notify your state or local health department as soon as possible.