Hair DyeingMost women these days dye their hair to gain desirable look. This trend has also spread among men. Some men or women may want to look younger by covering up their grays, while others may simply want to have different color of the hair. However, hair dyes have adverse effects among which the most common is an allergic reaction. It is believed that 5% of permanent users of hair dye develop an allergy. Those who have sensitive scalp are susceptible to allergic reactions due to hair dye.
Allergic Reaction
The ingredient of hair dyes that can cause allergic reaction is paraphenylenediamine (PPD). This ingredient is found in all permanent or oxidation hair dyes. If people are allergic to PPD they should avoid semi-permanent hair dyes as well.
Signs of an allergic reaction to hair dyes can range from the minor allergic reactions such as redness, burning and itching, to the severe allergic reactions such as swelling of the face and trouble breathing. Other symptoms of hair dye allergic reaction include: scaly skin on ears, face and neck, mild dandruff, pain, symptoms similar to common cold, such as sneezing, and nausea after hair dye has been applied. People can experience adverse reaction of hair dyes after few minutes to the next 24 hours after hair dye has been applied to the scalp.
Common reaction to hair dye is a rash that is painful and itchy. One can also experience burning of the skin or burning sensation. More serious reaction can include blisters that begin to form on the scalp and may develop on hairline and even face.
If some of these symptoms occur, you should rinse your skin straight away. Use clean running water and mild shampoo to remove the dye from hair and the scalp. Antihistamines can help if you experience swelling. Lots of fruits and vegetables should be eaten to alleviate allergic reaction. Carrot is helpful in treating skin problems. Therefore try drinking plenty of carrot juice or apply it locally on the skin.
Patch or Skin Test
Skin patch analysis should be done to find out are you allergic to hair dye or not. Before you decide to dye your hair, apply some dye to the inner elbow or behind your ear. Wait for about 20 minutes to see weather your skin is intact or there are symptoms such as redness, burning and itching. If you notice the signs of an allergic reaction, you should not dye your hair. You can find instruction for skin-patch test in the box of every hair dye.
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