Aug

1

Black Henna Tattoos Causing Eczema Flare Ups in Kids

Filed Under Care for Eczema Skin, Eczema Child, Eczema News, Eczema Triggers | 1 Comment

Does your kid get black henna tattoos at carnivals, shopping centres and birthday parties? If he or she has sensitive skin and prone to irritations, beware. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has just issued a warning that black henna tattoos contain a chemical called para-phenylenediamine (PPD), which can cause serious allergic reactions. PPD was commonly used for black hair dye. It is now being added to natural henna in order to increase the intensity and longevity of the temporary tattoo. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration prohibits the direct application of PPD to the skin because of known health risks, there are no regulations within the tattoo industry.

What is most alarming is that kids as young as four are the ones who are being exposed. Parents think that temporary tattooes are safe and fun and that they can be washed off easily. Prior to this latest announcement, I’ve not known better either.

However, off the records, there have been hundreds of reported cases of black tattoos causing allergic contact dermatitis. It was noted that reactions ranged from mild eczema to blistering and permanent scarring.

The only safe tattoo, it seems, is a vegetable henna and not a PPD-adulterated one. Well, but how do you tell them apart? Or would you be privvy to this information just prior to your kid getting one with a tattoo artist? You cannot guarantee that you will be informed duly.

The best prevention, therefore, is not to let your kid go for a temporary tattoo. It will be hard, I know. My kids just love the beautiful and intricate drawings of fairies, flowers and butterflies on their hands and even, faces. I can just hear them protesting and sulking away!

Jul

1

Damage To Skin Worsens With Certain Beauty Practices

Filed Under Care for Eczema Skin, Eczema Treatment | 1 Comment

Here is a collection of 3 beauty practices that I DO NOT recommend for eczema skin:

1. Spraying perfume especially on or near affected eczema skin. Perfume may make you smell good but chemical fragrance is known to cause redness and irritation to skin. It is also best to refrain from using perfume, which is actually toxic to your body.

2. Using hair removal cream on eczema skin. All hair removal creams contain harsh chemicals that can cause further irritation to sensitive skin. If you’ve got hairy but eczema-prone legs, then I suggest that you live with the hair on them, especially during the period with a flare up going on. In any case, you are going to be covering up with loose pants anyway.

3. Applying cosmetics while you have eczema on the face. Some eczema sufferers are so self conscious about their appearance that they prefer to cover their faces up with thick foundation and concealer. However, many of these beauty creams also contain ingredients that are harmful to the skin. When you apply thick layers of foundation, you are also not allowing your skin to breathe properly, nor give the chance for your skin to heal. I would prefer to recommend just applying a natural or organic based moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.

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