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 | The latest fashion statement for teens is to dye their hair outrageous colors. But they may be getting more than they bargained for: Facial swelling and an itchy, flaking rash resembling poison-oak can develop on the face or scalp. This rash, called contact dermatitis, is a result of the immune system reacting to phenylenediamine, a chemical commonly found in hair dyes. Despite what the accompanying article states, anaphylaxis (which is most often caused by allergic antibodies) does not occur as a result of contact dermatitis to hair dye. Contact dermatitis can also occur to many other chemicals used on the body, including cosmetics, toothpaste, shampoos and even sunscreens. Usually, the resultant rash occurs on the area of skin where the substance was applied, but may occur first on more susceptible skin - such as the neck and eyelids. | |
Hair Dye Allergy
The use of hair dye has been on the increase over the past 20 years in many parts of the world. In the United States, women are using hair dye earlier and more frequently in an attempt to maintain a more youthful appearance. The same can be said of men in the U.S., who have seen a 25% increase in the use of hair dye in recent years. A similar pattern is seen in many other areas around the world, including the Far East and Europe.
| Cosmetic Allergies
Cosmetic-induced contact dermatitis is common, since people may apply numerous chemicals to their skin, hair and scalp daily. Typically, the rash will occur on the skin where the cosmetic was applied, although sometimes the rash will occur on another part of the body (for example, reactions to nail polish may first cause an eyelid rash as a result of touching the eyelid). It's possible for an allergy to a substance to develop even after years of using the cosmetic without previous problems.
| Eyelid Rashes
Eyelid rashes are a common problem, especially for women, and can be caused by a variety of allergic reactions and autoimmune diseases. The skin over the eyelids is very thin, and is especially susceptible to rashes caused by allergy. I commonly see patients with eyelid rashes in my practice as an allergist, and most people are surprised when they find out the cause of their symptoms. A large portion of these patients have allergic causes to their symptoms, often due to cosmetics or hair care products that they use in everyday life.
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