As more and more young people color their hair, the incidence of hair dye allergies is also increasing, warns a group of European dermatologists. The culprit is a common chemical ingredient in the permanent hair dyes called para-phenylenediamine, the researchers say, including many of the top selling brands. Patient with severe PPD reactions commonly develop painful rashes around the hair line or on the face, which often require treatment and can occasionally lead to hospitalization. Facial swelling is also common.

        In an earlier study, the researchers, examined the frequency of hair dye reactions in a sample of 4,000 adults living in Denmark. A total of 18 % of the men and 75% of the women said they had used hair dyes. And slightly over 5% said they had experience allergic reactions to them. But only 15% of those who had allergic reactions reported seeking medical treatment.

        Cultural and commercial pressures to dye hair and, perhaps the widespread obsessions with the culture of the youth are putting people at risk and increasing the burden on health services. The Cosmetics Toiletry and Fragrance Association countered that hair dye is among the most thoroughly studied of consumer products and that safety tests on the individual ingredients that make up hair dyes are continually updated.

        Just like many other products in common use, such as certain foods or drugs, hair dyes can cause skin allergic reactions in some individuals, CTFA officials write.

        The number of consumer allergic to hair dyes is very small and the majority of these reactions occur at the site of contact many hours after hair- dyes used and resemble other contact-allergy reactions like nickel, poison ivy, etc.

        First time users can greatly reduce their tisk of allergic reactions by conducting a skin sensitivity test 48 hours before coloring their hair. The necessary warnings and instructions for skin testing are on hair coloring packages. If a consumer is positively identified as allergic to a hair dye ingredient, they can (and should) avoid use of all permanent hair dyes and consult a physician before any further use, they advised.