Hair Dye Allergy - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Introduction

Numerous substances found in hair coloring solutions have the potential to itch the scalp and trigger allergic reactions. The onset of symptoms, which can take up to 48 hours, can range from mild to severe. Natural hair dyes could be a potential remedy. The most common cause of allergic contact dermatitis resulting from hair dye exposure is a component known as paraphenylenediamine (PPD). PPD is a chemical, just like temporary tattoo ink, printer ink, and gasoline. PPD typically comes in its own bottle along with an oxidizer in boxed hair dye. PPD partially oxidizes when the two are combined. People who are allergic to it are more likely to experience allergic responses.

Why Do Some Individuals React Badly to Hair Dye?

Contact dermatitis is a type of skin sensitivity common in some persons. This implies that when they come into contact with a certain material, their skin may become red, dry, scaly, bumpy, blistered, or irritated (inflamed). The chemical may be an allergen, causing an allergic reaction that damages the skin, or an irritant, causing direct skin damage. Paraphenylenediamine (PPD), a recognized irritant and allergy, is a chemical found in many permanent and semi-permanent hair colors. PPD levels are higher in dyes that are darker in color. PPD brings on the majority of hair dye reactions.

What Chemicals in Hair Dye Frequently Trigger Reactions?

The most PPD-rich hair colors are those that are most likely to result in allergic responses. The ingredients label must be read in order to determine what is actually present. Familiar words to watch out for include:

• Phenylenediamine.

• Paraphenylenediamine.

• PPD.

• PPDA.

• P-diaminobenzene.

• P-phenylenediamine.

• 4-phenylenediamine.

• 4-aminoaniline.

• 1,4-diaminobenzene.

• 1,4-benzenediamine.

The highest concentration of PPD may be found in dye colors like black and dark brown. If an individual is allergic or sensitive to PPD, they should stay away from them.

Not all chemicals can result in allergic reactions, including PPD. Ammonia, resorcinol, and peroxide are among the substances that might cause allergic contact dermatitis in some persons.

What Are the Symptoms of Hair Dye Allergy?

A sensitivity to PPD or other compounds in hair dye is not the same as an allergy. Contact dermatitis symptoms like burning and stinging or red, dry skin may be brought on by sensitivity.

The symptoms can be moderate to severe if one has an allergy to hair dye. The onset of symptoms might be rapid or take up to 48 hours. Symptoms of a hair dye allergy include:

• Stinging or burning on the neck, face, or scalp.

• Welts or blisters.

• Puffiness or itching of the face and scalp.

• Eyes, lips, hands, or feet that are swollen.

• A body rash that is furious and red.

A hair coloring allergy can occasionally result in anaphylaxis. In a medical emergency, this unusual reaction has the potential to be lethal. Anaphylaxis symptoms can include:

• Skin reactions such as rashes, swelling, stinging, and burning.

• Swelling in the tongue and throat.

• Breathing difficulties.

• Fainting.

• Nausea.

• Vomiting.

How Safe Is PPD?

PPD-containing hair colors are safe to use as long as safety precautions are followed. The maximum amount of PPD that a product may contain is strictly restricted for these goods.

• People run the risk of having a significant response if they violate the safety precautions that come with the color.

• If a person now has (or has ever had) a black henna tattoo, they are especially vulnerable.

• The paste used in these temporary tattoos frequently contains high concentrations of PPD, which raises the possibility of an allergic reaction the next time they are exposed to it. Therefore, the next time one uses PPD hair dye, they could experience a potentially fatal allergic response.

How Is Hair Dye Allergy Diagnosed?

As the signs of a PPD reaction frequently do not appear until after the product has been used two times, this presents as one of the challenges in diagnosing a reaction. The first time an invader is employed, the body develops an allergic sensitivity to it. The second time it is applied, reactions frequently start to show. With additional applications of the substance, reactions could possibly worsen.

How to Treat Hair Dye Allergy?

One can attempt a variety of techniques at home to cure those symptoms. Consider one of these choices:

• One should promptly and completely rinse it off with warm water, mild soap, or light shampoo if one experiences an instant, mild response to the dye.

• To the affected area, apply a potassium permanganate solution. As a result, PPD may entirely oxidize. Only a partially oxidized form of PPD can result in allergic responses.

• Use a topical corticosteroid skin cream that is available over the counter to treat contact dermatitis symptoms like skin rash or itching. These may be applied to the face, neck, and other areas of the body, but not in or around the mouth or eyes.

• On the scalp, apply shampoos with topical corticosteroids.

• Put some hydrogen peroxide on. It is a mild antiseptic and could help soothe the skin, lessen itchiness, and prevent blistering.

• In order to lessen skin irritation and itching, take an oral antihistamine.

• Call the doctor right away if the symptoms do not go away, worsen, or are distressing to the point where it is difficult to function.

• Corticosteroids with a prescribed strength could help make one feel better. These come in a variety of forms, including pills, eye drops, ear drops, eye lotions, and lotions.

What Are the Alternatives for Hair Dyes?

Although there are many PPD-free hair coloring alternatives available, there may be fewer color selections. They either contain no PPD at all or PPD-related compounds such as hydroxyethyl-p-phenylenediamine sulfate (HPPS) that stain hair by penetrating it deeply. Some of these substitute dyes may not be suitable for everyone because they come in a small spectrum of colors.

• Henna: Another choice for those trying to avoid irritable PPD is henna. Crushed plant material is used to make authentic henna. Henna typically varies in color from orange to red-brown, depending on the other components it contains and how it is processed prior to use. Although henna is thought to be more allergy-friendly, a reaction is still possible. If someone wants to be certain, they should conduct a patch test before using any dye that contains henna.

• Additionally, it is essential to confirm that the henna is authentic henna. Many businesses promote their henna-based hair dyes as henna while adding PPD or its derivatives to the color. These might still result in a PPD-related response.

• Lead-Based and Semi-permanent Hair Colors: These choices may not be suitable for everyone; however, some people can handle lead-based or semi-permanent hair dyes. Any substances that may be appropriate for each person they test can be determined with assistance from a dermatologist.

How May a Hair Coloring Reaction Be Prevented?

• Patch Test:

  • Even if one is using their usual brand, always test a permanent or semi-permanent hair color on a small area of the skin first.

  • In order to do this, one should typically dab a small bit of the dye solution behind the ear or on the inside of the elbow and wait for it to dry. Observe the dye's directions exactly.

  • One must not use the product if one experiencing any rashes or other health issues following the patch test.

• Allergy Center: People could also undergo a patch test at an allergy clinic to see which chemicals, if any, they may be susceptible to. Then they may read product labels and steer clear of anything that contains these substances. The clinic might not analyze every ingredient used in hair dye, though.

• Other Safety Measures: If the patch test revealed no reaction, people could continue to use the dye, but be sure to:

  • Never keep it on for longer than is advised.

  • Apply the color while wearing gloves.

  • After that, properly rinse your hair.

  • Carefully adhere to the provided directions.

Conclusion

Hair coloring allergy responses can occur at any time. PPD is the chemical that is most frequently linked to a hair dye allergy. To find out if the brand contains PPD or any other ingredient that could trigger an adverse response, check the labels. If so, think about switching to a more organic hair dye, like henna.