From the Guidelines
If you're experiencing a skin reaction from hair dye, discontinue use immediately and rinse the area thoroughly with mild soap and water. For mild reactions, apply a 1% hydrocortisone cream 2-3 times daily for up to a week to reduce inflammation and itching, as suggested by general dermatological principles. Cold compresses can also help soothe irritation. It's essential to note that hair dye reactions typically occur due to para-phenylenediamine (PPD), a common ingredient that can cause contact dermatitis, as seen in other cosmetic products like black henna temporary tattoos, which contain PPD to accelerate the dyeing process 1. Before using any hair dye in the future, perform a patch test 48 hours before full application by applying a small amount behind your ear or inner elbow. Consider switching to PPD-free or natural hair dyes if you've had previous reactions, as some individuals may experience severe reactions, including allergic contact dermatitis, which can be generalized and require hospitalization, especially in children 1. Key considerations for managing skin reactions from hair dye include:
- Discontinuing use of the offending product
- Topical corticosteroid therapy for inflammation
- Antihistamines for itching
- Patch testing before future use
- Avoiding products containing PPD if previous reactions have occurred.
From the Research
Skin Reaction from Hair Dye
- Contact dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin disease that can be caused by exposure to contact allergens and irritants, including those found in hair dye 2.
- The diagnosis of contact dermatitis, including that caused by hair dye, involves a complete medical history, including occupational history, and diagnostic tests such as patch testing, photopatch test, and skin tests for detecting immediate contact reactions 2.
- Hair dye can cause allergic contact dermatitis, which is a type of contact dermatitis that occurs when the skin comes into contact with an allergen, such as paraphenylenediamine (PPD) or toluene-2,5-diamine (PTD), which are common ingredients in hair dye 2.
- Treatment for contact dermatitis caused by hair dye involves avoiding the suspected irritants or allergens, restoring the skin barrier, and reducing skin inflammation through multiple treatments, such as emollients, topical corticosteroids, and antihistamines 2.
Common Causes of Contact Dermatitis
- Topical medicaments, including those used in hair dye, are a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis 3.
- Common sensitizers in topical medicaments include topical antibiotics, steroids, anesthetics, and antifungals 3.
- Hair dye can contain ingredients that are common sensitizers, such as paraphenylenediamine (PPD) or toluene-2,5-diamine (PTD) 2.
Diagnostic Tests
- Patch testing is a common diagnostic test used to diagnose contact dermatitis, including that caused by hair dye 2, 4, 5.
- Photopatch test and skin tests for detecting immediate contact reactions can also be used to diagnose contact dermatitis caused by hair dye 2.
- A comprehensive medical history, including occupational history, is important in diagnosing contact dermatitis caused by hair dye 2.