Type Iv Hypersensitivity Reaction to a Temporary Tattoo

Abstract

A 6-year-old boy developed a skin eruption 10 days after application of a temporary tattoo advertised as a "natural black henna tattoo." The eruption was a delayed hypersensitivity reaction to the tattoo ink. The textile dye paraphenylenediamine (PPD) is a common industrial allergen and can be found in some temporary tattoo inks. This case describes the reaction and reviews the international literature pertaining to PPD and temporary tattoos.