Kerrie-Anne Graf's son had a severe reaction to a 'black henna' tattoo in Bali.
Share this @internewscast.com

A Sydney mother has shared a warning after her son had a scary reaction to a henna tattoo while on a family holiday in Indonesia.

Kerrie-Anne Graf shared with 9news.com.au that she and her 13-year-old son, while visiting Kuta Beach on Bali’s southwest coast last month, spontaneously decided to get a henna tattoo.

The henna tattoos worked out great and were a big hit with her son, Graf said.

Kerrie-Anne Graf's son had a severe reaction to a 'black henna' tattoo in Bali.
Kerrie-Anne Graf’s son had a severe reaction to a black henna tattoo in Bali. (Supplied: Kerrie-Anne Graf)

However, a few days later, the pattern had started to fade. 

Later, as the family relaxed at Seminyak Beach, some locals offered henna tattoos for $10. Her son requested to have the tattoo on his arm refreshed, Graf explained.

“These guys just walk up and down the beach and they’ve got their book with dragons.

“You’re there with your kids and they’re saying, ‘Mum, I want a tattoo’.”

Unlike the first henna tattoo she and her son got, which was a traditional brown colour, the second tattoo on her son’s leg was black, Graf said.

“He got it done the day before we left Bali and it seemed fine,” she said.

“Then he started itching at it and, maybe two days later, it just blew up.”

Graf said her son’s arm became extremely swollen and developed a rash.

“At first, I just thought maybe it was nothing serious. But then the rash started to spread up his arm,” she said.

When her son was sent home from school because his arm was weeping, Graf took him to the GP, who prescribed antibiotics.

“They did nothing, so we went back and he got a double dose of really strong antibiotics,” she said.

Kerrie-Anne Graf's son got the tattoo at Seminyak beach in Bali.
Kerrie-Anne Graf’s son got the tattoo at Seminyak Beach in Bali. (iStock)

In addition, Graf said her son needed to take steroid medication, antihistamines and apply cream to his arm.

“I’ve spent over $140 on medication,” she said.

Graf said she wanted to warn other families travelling to Bali about the risk of henna tattoos.

Graf took to a popular Bali travel Facebook page to share her story, where she received an outpouring of feedback from fellow Australians who had also experienced adverse reactions to henna tattoos in Bali.

A 2019 investigation by 9News examined the dangers of “black henna” tattoos offered in Bali and found they were leaving some Australian tourists with permanent scars.

At the time, 9News found the “black henna” used by some operators in Kuta was made from hair dye containing paraphenylenediamine (PPD), a chemical that as many as one in five people are allergic to when it’s applied to their skin.

Graf said she believed it was this black hair dye that was applied to her son’s skin.

“It shocked me because I had never heard of that happening.”

The mum said she was still very worried her son could be left with permanent scars.

“I can’t put anything on it yet, like Bio Oil, because I think it will just irritate it more.

“So I’m just going to wait, and we’re probably going have to see a dermatologist.”

Graf she said hoped sharing her son’s experience would make other tourists think twice.

“I wanted to say something because I don’t want this to happen to any other kid,” she said.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

The US Targets UN Expert Francesca Albanese with Sanctions After Criticism of Israel’s Gaza Conflict

The United States is imposing sanctions on Francesca Albanese, the United Nations’…
Great grandmother Pat, who had to wait more than 24 hours for a hospital bed after a fall.

Elderly Woman Faces Terrifying Experience at Hospital

South Australia’s healthcare system is facing criticism following a distressing incident involving…
Grok

Elon Musk’s AI chatbot unexpectedly shares antisemitic content

Grok, the AI-powered chatbot created by Elon Musk’s xAI, has begun pushing…
Trump hand-picks Aussie politician turned 'alpha male' for diplomatic role

Trump Selects Former Australian Politician, Now ‘Alpha Male,’ for Diplomatic Position

A former Sydney councillor, who once faced suspension from the Liberal Party,…

Thailand’s Famous Hippo Moo Deng Marks Her First Birthday

On Thursday, Moo Deng, a pygmy hippo from Thailand, celebrated her first…
The bodies of two men, believed to have died at different times, have been found inside a home in inner Sydney. 

Police Provide Update on Discovery of Decomposing Bodies in Urban Residence

The deaths of two men whose decomposing bodies were discovered in an…
An alleged Rebels bikie member has been charged after police uncovered a video of a caged cat being fatally shot at point-blank range on his phone.

Rebels Motorcycle Gang Member Charged with Shooting Trapped Cat Denied Bail

Ceejay Greenwood, 29, was allegedly driving a stolen truck on June 28…
Sabrina wanted to make some extra cash but ended up broke.

Sabrina Tried a Popular Side Hustle for Extra Cash, But It Ended Badly

Exclusive: Sabrina wanted to make some extra cash. Chloe* followed other local…
The plant found in oceans and pools could transform lives of thousands of burns victims.

Researchers Discover Plant That May Revolutionize Burn Treatment by Making it Faster and More Affordable

Thousands of burn victims across Australia might soon benefit from a new,…

Ireland’s Ben Healy Clinches Solo Victory in Tour de France Stage Six

Ireland’s Ben Healy won stage six of the Tour de France in…
Man charged over alleged $20 million cocaine plot

Man Accused in Alleged $20 Million Cocaine Scheme

A man is set to appear in court later this year, following…
Close up of senior man holding one hand on gearshift and other on steering wheel while sitting in his car. Selective focus on hand.

The Complex Guidelines Senior Drivers Must Follow

A fatal car accident in Melbourne involving a 91-year-old driver yesterday has…