An allergic reaction to hair dye is due to a reaction to paraphenylenediamine also known as PPD which is a common ingredient in hair dyes. The allergic dermatitis is caused by exposure to PPD can cause a lot of discomfort, but there are step to relieve the symptoms. If you want to learn ways to manage this condition, click here.
Symptoms of allergies
- People who are allergic to hair dyes will experience redness of the ears, scalp or neck. In some cases, the redness can eventually cause blisters.
- The redness caused by hair dye can become a blister which is a swelling vesicle which contains a watery substance. Take note that this can break and leave a crust on the skin.
- The blisters on the skin can become worse in which it darkens the skin and it becomes leathery and crack.
- The scalp will become very itchy, and a burning sensation will happen that will cause a severe pain.
- Swelling can happen on any part of the skin that is exposed to the hair dye and sometimes, the swellings can occur in the eyes, ears, neck and face.
If an individual is suffering from an acute allergic response to hair dye, begin minimizing the symptoms by cleaning the hair as well as the scalp using a mild shampoo in order to remove the excess dyes in the hair.
You can oxidize traces of PPD on the scalp by applying a solution of hydrogen peroxide alternately with compresses of potassium permanganate. Apply an ointment that contains topical corticosteroids to relieve symptoms of inflammation and itching. This topical application can reach areas around the periphery of the hair as well as the back of the neck and the areas found around the ears.
Treatment and home remedies
- Wash off remaining dye in the hair by using a clarifying shampoo, if available or use the strongest shampoo available to eliminate leftover residue.
- Take over-the-counter antihistamine tablet like Benadryl which can help minimize the allergic reactions.
- Reduce the inflammation and calm the itch caused by a mild reaction to hair dye by applying cortisone creams. It can also be used to treat some varieties of skin irritation.
- If the allergic reaction on the scalp causes severe problems in the face and neck or obstructs the breathing, seek medical help immediately.
- Before dying hair, start with a patch test by mixing a small amount of the dye and apply it on the skin in the arm for about 5 minutes and then rinse. If no reaction occurs after 24 hours, the dye is safe to use.
- Use an artificial sweetener for foods and drinks since these can counteract itchiness and irritation caused by an allergic response to hair dye.
- Using henna and other natural dye products can also relieve allergies caused by hair dye. It takes off the chemical reactions that cause a hair dye allergy, but a patch test is done before using it.