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The Pharmaceutical Services, in view of the summer season, wish to inform consumers about the following important issues:
(a) Temporary black henna tattoos
Due to the fact that during the summer period there is an increasing tendency of mainly young people to decorate various parts of their body with tattoos, the Pharmaceutical Services warn about the serious risks of temporary black henna tattoos.
During the mainly summer months, travelling black henna tattoo artists visit outdoor events such as fairs, festivals, markets, bazaars in mainly tourist areas, offering their services to visitors. Black henna tattoos are often offered to tourists and people on vacation at beaches and tourist resorts.
These temporary tattoos are very popular among the youth. Nowadays, the brownish-red colour of natural henna on the skin is not very popular unlike temporary black henna tattoos which are very popular.
The substance paraphenylenediamine (PPD), whose use in cosmetics is only allowed in hair dyes, is used in violation of the law to apply temporary tattoos because of the longer duration and intensity of the colour it offers.
The attention of consumers and tattoo shops is drawn to the serious risks and effects caused by the use of the above substance. It may cause a severe and aggressive form of eczema necessitating emergency medical attention, not excluding the need for hospitalisation.
Allergic reactions may lead to hypersensitivity, particularly to rubber products, clothing and hair dyes. This development, which is irreversible, is capable of preventing the practice of professions related to the above products, e.g. hairdressers. Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable.
In view of the large number of cases of allergic eczema reported in many European countries, it is necessary to alert and inform consumers in order to protect them effectively from the risks posed by the illegal addition of PPD to temporary henna tattoos. Without this substance they are not considered dangerous.
How to avoid the side effects caused by black henna tattoos
Surely the best way to avoid these side effects is not to apply black henna tattoos.
Otherwise, however, it would be useful to follow the suggestions below:
- The color of natural henna paste varies from greenish brown to brown. If the color of the paste used by the artist applying the tattoo is darker (black), then most likely pigments have been added to the paste.
- Ask for information about the origin of the henna paste and a list of ingredients and instructions to determine the type of paste. If you are not given sufficient information about the product, then avoid it.
- If you are told that you can remove the paste from the application site after only one hour and you get the desired result, then it is definitely black henna. Natural henna, in order to succeed in staining the body with a good dark reddish-brown colour, must remain on the skin for as long as possible.
If you have a black henna tattoo and have any symptoms, consult your doctor.
(b) Sunscreen cosmetic products
Consumers are advised to take the following guidelines seriously, both for better protection from sunlight and for proper use of sunscreen products.
Two types of ultraviolet radiation reach the earth: UVB and UVA. UVB radiation is the cause of "sunburn". UVA radiation causes premature aging of the skin and affects the human immune system. Both types of radiation are important risk factors for skin cancer.
Use sunscreen products that provide adequate protection for your skin
The sun protection factor (SPF) indicates the product's "protection strength" against "sunburn", i.e. the amount of sunlight it provides. You should be aware that a SPF of more than 50 does not increase protection against sunburn and UVB radiation for normal skin. As long as a product is used correctly (see instructions below), an "average" sun protection index (i.e. 15, 20 or 25) can protect people with normal skin from sunburn. A higher protection factor is only required when a product is not used in sufficient quantities. You should also be aware that claims such as "Sunblock" or "100% protection" are not acceptable and that no sunscreen product can provide complete protection from UV radiation.
The sunscreen product you use should protect you from both UVB radiation (expressed by the sun protection index) and UVA radiation. Sunscreen products that only protect against UVB radiation may provide a false sense of security because they do not protect the skin from dangerous UVA radiation. The industry has now included the following standardised UVA seal on its product labels, stating a minimum UVA protection threshold - expressed in quantity - which increases in line with the increase in the sun protection index and is based on a standardised test method.
Use sunscreen products correctly
It is particularly important to know that sunscreen products are fully effective when used in sufficient quantities. Correct application of the product is as important as the choice of the product itself. To achieve the protection offered by the 'sun protection index' you should use 2mg/cm 2 . This is equivalent to 36 grams (about six heaped teaspoons) of sunscreen for an adult person. Today, consumers usually use about half that amount. You should also re-apply the same amount after swimming or wiping with a towel to maintain the same protection.
What to look out for when buying sunscreen products
Consumers are advised to be particularly careful when buying sunscreen products. In particular, they should pay attention:
[*]The sunscreen should have the appropriate protection index [*]It should indicate the list of ingredients [*]It should indicate the expiry date or bear the special mark indicating the shelf life after opening the container
[*]It should indicate in Greek the special precautions and warnings when using or storing the cosmetic product. [*]Ensure that the points of sale from which the sunscreen is purchased have the correct storage and temperature conditions so that the product has not deteriorated due to damage to the sunscreen filters or become harmful.
For further information on the above matters, please contact Pharmaceutical Services at 22-608606 and 22-608682.
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