Hair dye allergies to the skin that you need to know

As we get older, coloring hair is often done for a variety of things, from covering gray hair to increasing self-confidence. However, did you know that hair dye is actually one of the causes of skin allergies?

Check out the explanation below to find out more details.

Hair dye allergies

Hair dye products contain a number of ingredients that can irritate your skin and cause an allergic reaction. Most cases of hair dye allergies are caused by the ingredients in it, namely paraphenylenediamine (PPD).

Regardless of how often you use the same product, allergic skin reactions can occur. You can develop an allergy to a product at any time, including when using hair dye.

For some people, an allergic reaction to hair dye can develop into a severe one. In fact, in rare cases, this problem can be life-threatening.

Therefore, it is important for you to know how the symptoms of an allergy to hair dye are, what causes it, and how to deal with this allergy.

Symptoms of hair dye allergy

Allergic skin reactions due to hair dye are generally not immediate. There are times when this type of allergy occurs 2-7 days after you use it.

In addition, the symptoms of skin allergy due to hair dyes are also quite diverse, ranging from mild to very severe. The symptoms listed below may be more commonly felt on the scalp, neck and face.

• Reddish skin.
• Itchy.
• Swelling, especially of the eyelids, lips and hands.
• The presence of blisters and scars.
• Feel a burning sensation.
• Red rash anywhere on the body.

It should be noted that symptoms similar to dermatitis develop rapidly leading to anaphylactic shock. If you experience the signs below, immediately consult a hospital.

• Difficulty swallowing
• The skin feels sore and burns.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Fainting.

Causes of hair dye allergies

The cause of skin allergies due to cosmetics such as hair dye is a chemical paraphenylenediamine (PPD).

PPD is a chemical that can be found in temporary tattoo inks, printer inks, and gasoline. In hair dye products, this compound is commonly used in permanent dyes or products to darken hair and cover gray hair.

PPD is also available in a separate box when you want to dye your hair. If the two are mixed, some of the PPD will be oxidized. This partial oxidation process may be the cause of an allergic reaction to hair dye.

Unfortunately, not everyone reacts immediately when they are first exposed to PPD. Early exposure actually strengthens the immune system, which can then overreact when PPD returns.

In essence, the immune system mistakes PPD as a dangerous compound. As a result, when exposed repeatedly, the body produces an overreaction.

Therefore, each hair dye product usually warns the user to undergo an allergy skin test independently. This can be done by applying a small amount of the hair dye to your skin and seeing how the skin reacts, according to the instructions on the package.

Tips for dealing with hair dye allergies

The first step in dealing with an allergic reaction to hair dye is to stop using the product. After that, you should consult a doctor to get the right treatment.

Here are some ways you can prevent skin allergies, especially due to hair dyes that can be done.

• Wash your hair and scalp with a mild shampoo and warm water.
• Apply cool olive oil and lime to soothe the scalp.
• Apply a water-soluble corticosteroid cream.
• Apply a solution of potassium permanganate to the affected area.
• Take an oral antihistamine to help reduce inflammation of the skin.

If you have questions, contact a doctor who makes it easier for you to choose the right solution.

Things that need to be considered when coloring hair

For those of you who are allergic to PPD, experts recommend avoiding hair dye products with this compound. You may find it difficult to find hair dye without PPD. However, the alternatives below may be able to help you.

• Choose a semi-permanent hair dye.
• Use hair dye with para-toluenediamine as a substitute for PPD.
• Avoid black henna tattoos.
• Don't forget to test the hair dye by sticking the dye on your skin.

If you are allergic to hair dye due to PPD, there is a chance that your skin may also react to certain compounds. This is because a process known as cross reactivity, in which the chemical structure of a substance is similar to that of another, might trigger this.

Here are some chemicals that are similar to PPD and you need to be aware of.

• Benzocaine, an ingredient used in medicine for sore throats and canker sores.
• Procain, used for local anesthesia.
• Para-amino salicylic acid, an antibiotic for treating tuberculosis.
• Sulfonamides (antibiotics).
• Hydrochlorothiazide, a chemical in drugs to control high blood pressure.

Therefore, you must always inform the allergic condition you are experiencing so that the doctor can adjust the medication according to your condition.

Recommended for people not allergic to PPD

For those of you who have never developed symptoms of an allergy to hair dye, it is advisable to follow the steps below.

• Wear protective gloves and sleeves when dyeing your hair.
• Apply petroleum jelly to the skin close to the hairline.
• Does not keep the hair dye longer than the recommended time.
• Wash your hair with a mild shampoo and warm water.