Chemical-laced henna (mehndi) may cause serious skin infections, including cancer, said city-based dermatologists citing medical studies. They added that women and girls should avoid the use of such harmful mehndi and opt for herbal options instead.
I haven't seen that specific warning before, but it's important to note that "chemical henna" or "black henna" often contains a substance called para-phenylenediamine (PPD), which can cause allergic reactions, skin irritation, and other adverse effects. PPD is not natural henna and can indeed be harmful to the skin.
Repeated exposure to PPD can potentially increase the risk of skin sensitization, which may lead to more severe allergic reactions with subsequent exposures. While it's a stretch to directly link it to skin cancer based on current knowledge, prolonged exposure and repeated use of PPD-containing products could potentially have other long-term skin health implications.
For those interested in using henna, it's safer to opt for natural henna, which is usually reddish-brown in color. If someone has had a reaction to "black henna" or any other henna products, they should seek medical advice and avoid using such products in the future. Always do a patch test before applying henna to check for any allergic reactions.