Mehndi may cause serious side effects, say docs

 Applying chemical-laced mehndi on the hands can cause serious side effects, including skin infection, say doctors. They have cautioned girls and women against using it.

Mehndi dermatitis cases are rising in the city, says Rohit Batra, dermatologist of Sir Gangaram Hospital. “We are getting eight to 10 patients every day with serious side effects after applying mehndi on their hands,” he adds.

“With the arrival of the festive and wedding season, the number of patients has increased. During non-festive season, just one or two persons come to us in a month with skin infection from mehndi. But after karva chauth, it is on the rise,” says Batra.

He asked girls and women not to use chemical-laced mehndi as it causes irritation and leaves scratch marks, which can have a life-long impact on the skin. He says mehndi agents do not use plain henna but add harsh chemicals to make it darker.

Skin infections due to mehndi cause swelling, itching and redness. Batra says that as soon as people notice such symptoms, they should visit a doctor to avoid any serious consequences. “At the initial stages, mehndi can cause acute dermatitis if one does not see a doctor immediately. The allergy can spread all over the body,” adds Batra.

Sachin Dhawan, dermatologist of Skin and Smile Clinic  said mehndi can even cause cancer.
“Over the years, skin infection due to mehndi has increased. It is better to use natural or plain henna instead of synthetic one. Synthetic mehndi can leave permanent marks on the skin, and can even cause cancer,” Dhawan says.