Aug

1

Black Henna Tattoos Causing Eczema Flare Ups in Kids

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

20

Eczema Flareups Traced to Chinese Furniture

Filed Under Eczema Treatment, Eczema News, Eczema Allergy, Eczema Causes | Leave a Comment

I just came across more news related to the manufacture of unsafe furniture. If you are into Chinese furniture or furniture that is made in China, then you may want to be on the look out if you are intending to buy new ones or have recently bought one. A fungicide used to prevent mold may be the cause of several thousand cases of aggravated eczema in northern Europe, Swedish researchers report. The culprit is linked to a substance known as chemical dimethyl fumarate. Investigations are underway to trace Swedish companies that are selling the furniture.

But what about Singapore or the rest of the world? Are the health authorities in all countries alerted? Manufacturers need to be vigiliant about what harmful chemicals are being used in the products that they sell. There has to be social responsibility in this. If they continue to sell these dangerous products, then they need to be tracked down and handed a stiff warning and a severe fine if need be.

Eczema and allergy cases are on the rise. More can be done to help arrest the increasing number of cases. At the same time,I feel sad that the method of conventional treatment continues (at least from Singapore) to be one based solely on drugs.

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