Hair dye allergic reaction...?

[J0169]

Hi Dr,

8 weeks ago I had permanent hair dye put on my roots. 2 weeks later I developed a pimple bumpy rash on my face. I thought it was just a breakout of spots so left it (even though I never get spots).

2 weeks after that I had my hair done again, this time just some highlights. The pimple bumpy rash was still there.

This was about 3 weeks ago. Now for the last week my face, neck and head have been very itchy and feels as though it is burning.

I went to doctors yesterday and she said it is a reaction to the hair dye so has given me some hydrocortisone cream and some tablets.

However I am not totally convinced it is a reaction to the hair dye as why did it intially take around 2 weeks for the bumpy rash to develop? And why has it only been in the last week i've started to get this itchy/burning sensation? Do hair alleges take a while to develop? I thought you would notice something straight away.

I am just concerned it is not the hair dye and it is something else I am using, I really dont want this to happen again.

I have not changed any make up or creams. I have changed my shampoo but the doctor said a shampoo allegy would not cause the spotty bumps on my face.

Thank you for your help.

[abbz88]

I had the same kind of reaction, 3 weeks ago I dyed my hair, and had a reaction my dr. put me on steroids and as soon as I’m done with the treatment it comes back...

Rash on my arms, tops of my legs, hands, neck and back.. Not to mention my ears. They are swollen peeling and sore...

How long is this going to go on? And is there anything I can do?

[GuardadoC]

Same I bleached my hair 4 weeks a ago and had to go back for a second bleahing due to it not catching ...#mad Now I have a flat rash on my face and ears itchy and a little burning... never bleaching hair again

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I agree with your doctor as PPD in hair dyes is the commonest cause of allergies and it may cause allergic reaction as bumpy rash on the face. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. For mild-moderate symptoms a weak steroid may be used, whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid which are available under prescription.

For the itching take some antihistaminic like Benadryl. If the symptoms persist then get an evaluation done from a dermatologist.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.