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Description

Henna is a dye extracted from the leaves of a tropical plant that may be used to color skin, hair and nails in tropical and subtropical countries. In addition to contact allergy its use has been associated with hemolysis in patient with G6PD deficiency.


 

Plant: Lawsonia inermis

 

Chemicals include: 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, flavonoids, steroids

 

Clinical features:

(1) The patient has G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) deficiency.

(2) The patient has topical henna applied.

(3) 24-72 hours later the patient may present with an acute hemolytic anemia.

(4) Complications of the hemolysis may include acute renal failure.

(5) Exclusion of other possible causes of hemolytic anemia.

 


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