Clinicopathological Analysis of Pigmented Contact Dermatitis Caused by Henna Dyeing / 대한피부과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Henna is a natural dye derived from the leaves of the tree Lawsonia inermis known for its very low allergic properties. Recently, however, cases of pigmented contact dermatitis after henna dyeing have been increasing. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical and histologic features of pigmented contact dermatitis caused by henna dyeing. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and histopathologic features of patients diagnosed with pigmented contact dermatitis after henna dyeing from June 2014 to August 2017. RESULTS: A total of 22 patients with a history of henna dyeing were included. All patients were female, and mean age was 58.9±8.2 years. They presented with rapidly spreading dark brownish patches located mostly adjacent to the hairline, such as at the forehead, temple, and lateral cheek. The mean duration between symptom onset and henna dyeing was 4.52 months (0~15). Standard patch test and as is test using henna showed no significant results. There were 18 patients with pruritus, which was only present at the early stage. Histopathologic examinations showed lichenoid inflammation with dermal melanin incontinence, vacuolar alteration, epidermal apoptotic cells, and perivascular inflammation. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that pigmented contact dermatitis observed after henna dyeing was caused by the toxicity of henna itself, not by other additives. The active ingredient of henna is lawsone (2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone), which may have induced pigmented contact dermatitis by its own cellular toxicity. Dermatologists should consider henna dyeing as a potential cause of pigmentation of the face and neck.