Drunk Tourist's Black Henna Tattoo Nightmare in Bangkok

On November 16, 2025, an American tourist named Nick Nayersina was on holiday in Bangkok, Thailand with friends. After a night of heavy drinking, Nayersina and his friends decided to get matching black henna tattoos from a street vendor, unaware of the risks involved.

Unfortunately, Nayersina's decision quickly turned into a medical disaster. The black henna tattoo caused his skin to blister, ooze, and potentially scar permanently. Nayersina later discovered that the black henna contained a dangerous chemical called paraphenylenediamine (PPD), which is illegal for use on skin in many countries due to the severe reactions it can cause.

Two days after getting the tattoo, Nayersina's condition worsened, with his skin starting to peel and burn. He warned his social media followers that "black henna is not a natural substance" and that the experience "could lead to this," referring to the blistering and potential scarring.

Nayersina's ordeal is a cautionary tale for tourists, as black henna tattoos remain common in popular destinations like Thailand and Bali, despite the risks. Doctors say these incidents often occur when travelers, under the influence of alcohol, make impulsive decisions they would not consider at home, leading to serious medical consequences.