Allergic contact dermatitis caused by a new temporary blue-black tattoo dye - sensitization to genipin from jagua (Genipa americana L.) fruit extract

SummaryBackground Temporary tattoos made with an extract of the jagua fruit (Genipa americana L.) are becoming increasingly popular. It is claimed that it is ‘dermatologically tested’ and does not contain p-phenylenediamine. Extracts of jagua and gardenia fruits have been used by indigenous people in South America, as well as in traditional Chinese medicine, for centuries. Genipin is currently used for its cross-linking effect in the manufacture of polysaccharides, and is being investigated for its anti-inflammatory and other properties. Objectives To report the presence of the allergenic substance genipin in a self-administered temporary tattoo dye made from the fruit juice of jagua (Genipa americana L.). Patients and methods A 39-year-old female who repeatedly applied ‘completely natural and 100% safe’ Earth Jagua® tattoo, obtained via the internet, to her left hand developed allergic contact dermatitis within 6 weeks. Analysis of the dye showed the presence of geniposide and genipin. Results Patch tests with the dye and with its main components, including genipin, gave strong positive reactions to the latter. There was no sensitization to other ingredients or p-amino compounds. Conclusions We report an extensively evaluated case of allergic contact dermatitis caused by a temporary Earth Jagua® tattoo. The allergen identified is genipin, a substance that is increasingly used for tattoos and as a therapeutic agent in medicine. This could result in an increase in the number of allergic reactions in the future.