Hair Dye Allergic reaction - anyone else ever have this happen?

Gibbee

Gibbee

Cathlete
I have highlights put in my hair about every 10 weeks and back in early April I developed what I thought was a burn from my highlights. It got better but didn't fully go away. About 10 weeks later I had another round and it happened again. During this second round I also had a reaction to contrast dye that resulted in me taking a steroid pack which happened to improve the hair dye reaction for a brief period of time, but then it flared once the steroid pack was over. I went to the dermatologist this past week and he said no more hair dye until I pass a patch test administered by their office (hopefully in August - although it involves two days of no showers or sweating). He said he doubts I will pass it and believes that I am allergic to PPD (a chemical in hair dye). I still have itchy, painful bumps on my head and my face and neck are still puffy and I am continuing to use some topical solutions he prescribed.

Anyway, my question has anyone else here had this happen? How long until the puffiness and bumps went away? Just curious - and thanks in advance!
 
Hi,

I have minor itchiness when I have my hair colored, but my cousin is really allergic to particular hair dyes, and like you, gets bumps etc whenever it touches her skin. She has not had as severe reaction as you have. Although, all dyes are not the same, for example, if she goes to Aveda salon, the one they use there does not bother her. Go figure, of course it is the most expensive one out there! Check into the different brands used, maybe there is one out there you can tolerate.
 
I've been reading up on it and I guess until I have the patch test by the derm I don't know that I will do any more touch ups. Apparently the trigger PPD comes in several variations and is difficult to avoid. My derm mentioned a young mom dying from her reaction and as I do more research I see more reports of reactions and even hospitalizations.

I only use foils and I reacted even though those do not touch the skin. So bummed. Not quite ready to let the gray show but I may have to. I'm about 5 weeks out from my last highlight and I still have itching, rash and swollen face- even while on medicine. .
Hoping this clears up soon!
 
Gibbee said:
I have highlights put in my hair about every 10 weeks and back in early April I developed what I thought was a burn from my highlights. It got better but didn't fully go away. About 10 weeks later I had another round and it happened again. During this second round I also had a reaction to contrast dye that resulted in me taking a steroid pack which happened to improve the hair dye reaction for a brief period of time, but then it flared once the steroid pack was over. I went to the dermatologist this past week and he said no more hair dye until I pass a patch test administered by their office (hopefully in August - although it involves two days of no showers or sweating). He said he doubts I will pass it and believes that I am allergic to PPD (a chemical in hair dye). I still have itchy, painful bumps on my head and my face and neck are still puffy and I am continuing to use some topical solutions he prescribed.

Anyway, my question has anyone else here had this happen? How long until the puffiness and bumps went away? Just curious - and thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

So you have been getting foils for awhile, this reaction is recent? I do go to an Aveda Salon, but I get foils as well. This just sounds miserable. Hope all turns out well for you.
 
Oh that's awful Gibbee! I sometimes have itchiness after my color but never a reaction such as yours. I'm guessing you go to a salon for your highlights? Could you ask your hair dresser if she or he has changed the product being used and see if there's some other type so substitute if the dermatologist approves trying again after the patch test? I don't know much about coloring but there's some kind of "dilution" factor I think based on how much gray there is to cover etc so maybe this person changed it without telling you as it wouldn't normally matter to those who don't react. Just a thought. I hope it resolves soon, I don't do well with steroids either..:(
Jamie
 
Hi Gibbee,
Please be careful with the dye!! There was a story on The Dr. Show about a woman dying from using hair dye and having an allergic reaction http://www.thedoctorstv.com/articles/3028-anaphylaxis-explained . I have had a reaction like fox2star, so I looked around and started using Roux Fanci Full temporary hair rinse. It covers the gray, but if you get wet (rain, sweat) it comes out, but it is better than having a severe reaction. I wish there was something else out there that wouldn't cause problem!
I hope you feel better and it clears up real soon.
Regards,
Jane
 
Thanks. I have used Aveda in the past but I've seen reports of reactions to it too. I'll check out your link and info GI Jane. Thanks!
I am still puffy and my endurance is no. The road trip may be a challenge. ;)


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PS. Stylist hasn't changed anything. We've gone over her records too. Bummer.

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This is scary stuff! Years ago I used to use Henna that I got from the health food store. It's more of a stain so it fades slowly in color as opposed to really changing your color. Also, I'm not sure if you can go a lot lighter than your natural color.
 
This concerns me too! I haven't ever had a reaction, but a good friend of mine had a reaction after years of coloring her hair. It happened about 2 years ago and she had to quit using hair dye. Her symptoms still haven't gone away, even after stopping the dye .... itching, redness, scabs, etc.
 
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