A WARNING went out today to steer clear of so-called "henna tattooists" who target tourists abroad after two Blackpool youngsters suffered burns that needed hospital treatment.

A few days after a street trader on the Greek Island of Kos applied temporary tattoos to the upper arms of brothers Louis, 10, and Christopher Lambeth, 9, both boys ended up having to be treated in Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

Doctors have said that the youngsters, who live with mum Karen, 32, and dad, Paul, 35, in Ayrton Avenue, Marton, may be scarred for life.

After seeing the arms of the two Blackpool youngsters James Woods, proprietor of the Blackpool Body Piercing Clinic in Talbot Road, warned parents against holiday 'henna' tattoos.

"I've seen this sort of skin reaction before. I think some sort of Indian hair dye has been used to apply a black-coloured, temporary tattoo," says James, who has advised Blackpool Victoria and Royal Preston Hospitals and has 12 years' experience in body art.

"It contains chemicals which should never be applied directly to the skin, particularly that of children and babies, which is much finer and more vulnerable.

"Henna tattoos are brown-coloured. They are worked from a natural vegetable dye which is ground into powder and can be mixed with coffee, tea, sugar or lemon juice, for example.

"Henna is quite safe to use for a temporary skin decoration.

"My advice is to steer well clear of tattoo stalls abroad or at home. It's a much better idea to go to a qualified bodyart specialist who will provide after-care as part of the service.

"And if you see or hear the words 'black henna' run a mile, because there's no such thing," adds James.

The boys' horrified mother, Karen, says she still feels physically sick at the thought of what's happened.

"Everyone was having these tattoos - teenagers, kids, adults, even toddlers. I thought they were henna tattoos and I considered having one myself," she says.

"A few days after Louis and Christopher had them done, the dye came off almost immediately, so we went back to the stall.

"The tattooist told us that sometimes the henna mix could be a bit watery and he reapplied it."

Two days later there were lots of tiny blisters on Christopher's arm. At first, his mum thought these might have been caused by a reaction to the sun.

"But after we got back to England, the tattooed area became swollen, raised, red and itchy and the area began to pulsate.

"It looked dreadful and Chris was crying with the pain.

"And then Louis began to complain of a throbbing feeling and burning sensation in his arm as well," explains Karen.

The boys, who both attend Marton Primary School, are now on anti-biotics and other medication as prescribed by doctors.

"I hate tattoos now, don't have one," says Chris.

His angry mum wants to tell other parents not to let their children have these tattoos.

"We presumed the treatment was safe but I've had to tell my sons they may be scarred for life," adds Karen.