Karwa Chauth: 5 side effects of henna that you must know before applying mehendi

Karwa Chauth is a time when Hindu women happily apply mehendi or henna designs on their hands to mark the festival. While the final henna design may look beautiful, it is important to note that there are many side effects of henna on the skin that you should be aware of. The use of pure henna has not been proven to be harmful to the skin, but certain additional ingredients used in commercial henna can cause allergic reactions in the form of red, itchy bumps. Therefore, it is important to understand the factors that can make applying henna dangerous, and try to choose the best henna for yourself. Read on to learn about some of the possible side effects of henna on the skin, and what to do if an allergic reaction occurs.

What is a boyfriend?

Henna is a reddish brown dye made from the leaves of the henna tree which are dried and powdered. “It is a natural dye that is often used to create beautiful patterns on the body or even color hair,” says dermatologist Dr Priyanka Kuri.

Is henna bad for your skin?

Although pure henna is considered safe for the skin, if there are damaging additives in henna, it can be dangerous. The US Food and Drug Administration states that some people have had adverse reactions to henna tattoos. It can also cause permanent skin discoloration, and other skin complications. It also states that henna is approved for use on hair and not directly on skin. The FDA claims to have also received reports of skin lesions caused by regular henna as well as products marketed as black henna.

What are the side effects of henna on the skin

Here are some side effects of henna on the skin:

1. Allergy attack

Some people experience allergic reactions to henna, especially those often adulterated with chemicals such as p-phenylenediamine (PPD). This can cause mild and distressing symptoms, such as severe redness, itching and swelling, which should be treated medically if symptoms persist for a longer period of time. It can also cause severe dermatitis, eye irritation and tearing, asthma, ulcers, kidney failure, vertigo, tremors, convulsions, and coma in humans, says the study, published in the US Environmental Protection Agency.

2. Skin Inflammation

Henna also tends to cause burning and irritation, especially for people with sensitive skin. These people or people who use henna for a long period of time may experience a burning sensation, rash, or dryness in certain areas where henna has been applied. A study published by BMC states that the first signs of symptoms appear in the form of allergic contact dermatitis caused by black henna tattoos. This disease develops within 1-3 days in those who are already sensitive.

3. Sensitivity to sunlight

Many people tend to become more sensitive to sunlight after applying henna. This tendency can cause a person to be easily attacked by sunlight, because there is an increased skin reaction to ultraviolet light. A study published in the Indian Dermatology Online Journal states that after hair is colored with henna, regular exposure to sunlight as an environmental stressor causes additional oxidative damage.

4. Risk of infection

Damaged or compromised skin, if decorated with henna, can lead to bacterial infestation, followed by infection. Henna can cause secondary bacterial infections, says the study, published in the journal Contact Dermatitis. Henna should be applied only after ensuring the healthy condition of the skin to avoid these effects.

5. Can cause dermatitis

The skin may be irritated by the use of henna and its additives, which can cause red patches and swelling. This mostly comes from the body or skin reaction. A study published in the Annals of Dermatology states that patch tests revealed that pure red henna is the allergen that causes Contact Dermatitis.

Things to consider before applying henna to your skin

Take certain precautions before applying henna on hands and to make the mehendi darker:

• Carry out a patch test on a small part of the skin for less than 24 hours before applying it completely to the body so that allergies or skin irritation can be found.
• Its use is also very important high quality and quality Henna is made from pure organic ingredients and does not contain harmful chemicals.
• The skin should be like that too free from pure oils or moisturizing lotions to improve blemish retention on the skin. Otherwise, lotions or oils should be avoided.
• The final step involves letting the henna sit completely dry after application before removing it and wearing it for the recommended period of time only. Water and any type of friction should also be kept away from the design for the first 24 hours.

All this will help one to get intense and dark henna color and maintain healthy skin.

How to treat henna allergies or infections?

If you have an allergic reaction to henna, it is important to see a doctor. Doctors will usually prescribe oral antihistamines and topical emollients, which contain strong topical steroids for the first 5 days. This will be followed by a milder topical steroid. There are also several home remedies to treat henna allergies that you can try. You can try baking soda paste, by mixing baking soda and water. Additionally, use of pure aloe vera gel may also be beneficial. Check out other ways to treat rashes at home.

How to care for your skin after henna tattoo?

The side effects of henna on the skin can be very severe. However, here are some steps you can take to prevent infection or henna allergies, as well as getting a dark color.

• Avoid water: It is important to keep the henna design dry for at least 24 hours to help the color develop. It is recommended not to wash the part or dip it in water within this time period. Water can interfere with the oxidation and darkening process of henna stains.
• Don’t Massage: Henna is a type of plant-based body paint that can last for several days. It’s best not to rub the painted area, as this can cause the color to fade or become uneven.
• Limit Sun Exposure: Avoid exposure to sunlight on henna tattoo skin for a long time, because it will cause the tattoo to fade more quickly. Sunscreen can be used to limit these reactions.
• Gently Moisturizes: A few hours after the henna dries, a thin layer of lotion can be applied to the area if dry skin is a problem. Don’t use oily ointments as they can clog pores.
• Be careful when scrubbing: Be careful with clothing and any accessories that may touch the design. Rubbing certain areas of henna most likely occurs due to the use of materials that rub against each other.

How to choose the right girlfriend for yourself?

There are several important things to pay attention to before choosing henna, to avoid risks or disappointment. First, emphasize only buying henna products that at least claim to be 100 percent natural. It would be better if obtained from a trusted source because it reduces the possibility of bad effects on the skin. Apart from that, try to look for henna that avoids the use of chemicals such as p-phenylenediamine (PPD).

Time is another factor to assess; the fresher the henna, the more streaks and colors it will produce. Lastly, the use of reviews and testimonials is also important as they can validate the level of quality and satisfaction, thereby allowing one to choose a suitable henna to use.