Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Hair Dye Allergy Treatments McLean & Potomac Dermatology

allergic to hair dye

Allergic contact dermatitis is a reaction caused by the skin being touched by something it is allergic to. Once sensitized, the affected skin will usually become inflamed and red when exposed to the offending allergen. Immediate, mild reactions can be alleviated by rinsing off the dye with warm water and mild soap. Applying a potassium permanganate solution can help fully oxidize the allergen, PPD. Many ultra-processed foods that appear bright red contain the additive, though some are naturally colored with juices derived from fruits and vegetables.

Hair dye allergy symptoms

Recognizing the symptoms of hair dye allergies is crucial for early intervention and appropriate management. In this article, you will learn about hair dye allergy, exploring the causes, symptoms, prevention strategies, treatment, and alternative options available. Hair dye has been a popular cosmetic choice for centuries, allowing individuals to change their hair color and style to suit their preferences. From vibrant reds to elegant brunettes, hair dye offers a wide range of possibilities for personal expression. An allergic reaction to hair dye will usually start within two to three days of using the dye and get better in several days to weeks.

What is a safe hair dye for allergy sufferers?

And while an allergic reaction to hair color can oftentimes just involve some mild redness and irritation, cautionary tales on the internet paint a more serious picture. If an allergic reaction ensues as a result of hair coloring, it’s common for a series of dermatitis-like reactions to appear on the skin. “It classically appears on the hands, head, and neck where the chemical is in contact with the skin,” Dr. Boakye says.

Hair Dye Allergy Causes

Hair loss after hair dye allergy occurs due to inflammation of the hair shaft coupled with the removal of the cuticle, which can cause whole hair to split in two and become brittle. If you want to avoid the widest range of allergens, one of the most natural types of hair dye to use is henna. This is when it’s likely to cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to it. If you’ve ever had an artificially-colored cereal, candy, or beverage, you’ve likely consumed Red 40, a food dye commonly used to color ultra-processed foods and drinks. People who use hair dye should not keep the dye in the hair for longer than the recommended time, and it should be washed out thoroughly.

Homemade Hypoallergenic Hair Dyes to Try

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. Before purchasing or using any hair coloring product, make sure to review the ingredients list on the label or the manufacturer's website.

Alternative Hair Colors To Use

When it comes to hair dyes, allergic reactions can be halted beforehand, hence the patch test. Symptoms of contact dermatitis from hair dye may include redness, swelling, itching, and dry, flaky skin on the scalp or other areas of the skin that came into contact with the dye. You should stop using the product and consult a doctor if you think you may have contact dermatitis from a hair dye. They can help determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend the appropriate treatment. Cross-reactivity will occur in some people who have become sensitised to one of these chemicals.

allergic to hair dye

New Forest mum blinded by allergic reaction to hair dye - Southern Daily Echo

New Forest mum blinded by allergic reaction to hair dye.

Posted: Mon, 30 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

If you suspect a hair dye allergy, especially if symptoms are severe or have a history of allergic reactions, seek advice from a healthcare professional. Your doctor can provide a definitive diagnosis through patch testing and recommend appropriate treatment options. If you’re on the hunt for PPD-free alternative hair dyes, consider types of hair color that have a lower risk of causing reaction. Though semi-permanent hair color can still contain PPD, there are many on the market that are safe and void of PPD, like the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent Hair Color. This ammonia- and peroxide-free option gradually fades after a handful of washes, but packs serious color impact.

What Are the Alternatives for Hair Dyes?

This is because of a process known as cross-reactivity, where the chemical structure of one substance is similar to that of another. This can help reduce redness and may speed-up the wound-healing process (2). Many brands are now championing clean beauty and non-toxic products that are totally safe for anyone. If you want to lighten the color of your locks, there’s no better natural lightener than lemon. Lemon juice will do the trick if you want to get rid of the orangy hues in your hair or brighten up your deep brown locks. It’s very rare and almost impossible to find products that tick all of these boxes.

Hair Dye Allergy Treatment at Home: How to Calm Down Allergy to Hair Dye

allergic to hair dye

In some cases, people may experience redness, swelling, or itching on the scalp or on the forehead. Oxidizers are used to help the color develop, penetrate, and stick to the hair shaft so that it can last longer. When partially oxidized, some ingredients, like PPD, can develop into sensitizers, thus triggering contact allergies. [2] That’s why most products containing PPD or its derivatives carry warning signs on the packaging to do patch testing before using the product. Reactions to PPD can range from mild irritation in the scalp to an allergic reaction that can potentially trigger serious symptoms throughout the body. You could also have a patch test done at an allergy clinic, to see which chemicals you're sensitive to, if any.

Next, apply a layer of topical cortisone or a corticosteroid cream or lotion to the affected areas and take Benadryl to reduce the inflammation. As far as any scabs that form, treat them with a layer of emollient-rich, fragrance-free cream applied to damp skin. Age can also be a driving force — especially since the body’s ability to fight off allergens declines as we get older — but plenty of younger people are sensitive to hair color, too. Many alternatives to PPD-containing hair dyes are on the market, though color options may be more limited. At the same time, many people with a hair dye intolerance may have an almost immediate reaction to PPD or other hair dye components.

"Generally, symptoms are redness, flaking, inflammation, blistering or swelling in the scalp and around the face, ears, eyes, and lips," says Craig Ziering, M.D., a hair restoration and transplant surgeon. That being said, more extreme reactions, such as potentially permanent hair loss, can definitely occur, adds Dr. Ziering. He also notes that although rare, anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction that causes extreme swelling that could inhibit blood flow and breathing) is also possible and requires immediate medical attention. Dyeing your hair a new hue can be stressful enough without having to deal with side effects thanks to a hair dye allergy.

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