Dangerous 'henna' tattoos

Early this summer I had two so-called henna tattoos done. One on my lower back and another on my ankle. Just a few hours later both caused intense itching, later redness. To reduce the intense itching I was constantly applying calamine lotion over both tattoos and tried to put my mind off them.

I awoke the next day and was shocked to see tiny blisters embossed in the shape of both tattoos, constantly seeping pus. I was forced to see my doctor as in the following two days I was leaving the country on vacation.

The doctor examined both "tattoos" and was shocked. She asked where they were done and what instruments were used.

I explained that they were done at one of the artists that one comes across in squares and such public places.

The procedure consisted of tracing your desired pattern onto tracing paper with a fine marker, then transferring it to your skin with a roll-on deodorant, where the paper is attached.

The pattern and maker ink is thus transferred to your skin as an outline to the tattoo. Preparation of the henna itself is done by mixing a green-grey powder in a coke bottle top and mixing, by means of toothpicks, adding an unknown fluid to get a black paste. (Wasn't henna meant to leave red-brown hue?)

The doctor was disgusted and concerned. She suggested I'd go to hospital so they could cover the bursting blisters and treat it like a burn. I was given antihistamines and antibiotics for the infection, not to mention the load of creams.

Thankfully, I wasn't too late at treating it, however the scar and blisters on both my ankle and lower back are still visible.

One final thought: Are health authorities aware of these street peddlers who are a threat to our health? Are hygiene regulations being enforced and ingredients analysed? (From my experience I very much doubt!)