Contact dermatitis from a presumed allergy to paraphenylenediamine

Paraphenylenediamine (PPD) is a potent skin allergen found in permanent hair dye and temporary henna tattoo ink. Several cases of adverse skin reactions to PPD have been reported in the literature. Here we present a case involving a patient who acquired a temporary tattoo while vacationing in Mexico and subsequently developed contact dermatitis at the tattoo site. He provided a history of permanent hair dye use in the past with associated cutaneous reaction. Temporary tattoos have become increasingly popular with travelers and as a result so have reports of associated allergic contact dermatitis. Of concern is cross‐reaction of PPD to related compounds, severe reactions in younger populations and sequelae including increased sensitization, permanent scarring, and persistent postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.