Arghh... skin test reaction to hair dye I have been using for years. Help!

[Inspirachion]

Hi. I'd be grateful for any advice [pleading for help face].

I don't always do a skin test, have been waiting as long as I could before dying this time as I fell pregnant a couple of months ago (now 10 weeks).

Anyhow back to work this week so the roots have to go.

Did the skin test at the weekend to be on the safe side and got a quick very itchy reaction. Tried a different brand tonight and test area swelled and went red before my eyes.

Anyone know why this is happening - is it due to the pregnancy? And also anyone know if this means I can never dye my hair again? Sinks into major depression on the spot

[alypaly]

your hormone can affect your hair so i guess they can affect your skin reaction too...poor you....ooohhh roots.tell me about them

[imdreamingofaPurplexmas]

I would advise you NOT to colour your hair especially at this point (sorry)

Can you try a toner type colur instead?

It really is not worth the risk to go ahead with it

[PacificDogwood]

Dark/black hair dyes contain PPD, a rather common allergen, and unfortunately you can develop an allergy at any time in your life, even to a product you have used before. You might be more susceptible whilst pregnant, but even after this pregnancy you are likely to still be sensitised to this.

Every time you are exposed to it again, the reaction will be worse. Only solution is to find a hair dye that does not contain PPD, sorry. I am sure none of this is what you want to hear .

Maybe speak to a hairdresser for further advice? All hair dye manufacturers usually have helplines you can ring for further advice on ingredients of their products.

[CristinaTheAstonishing]

Sounds like allergic contact dermatitis, weeping eczema to the edge of the hairline (rather than the scalp itself).

[alypaly]

pacific is right......most allergies are to things we have not had an allergy to in the past...it is much rarer to be allergic to something that we have never touched and as she rightly says your reaction may increase. I hope not.try and find one without PPD

[alypaly]

you might have to go for a semi permanent or a wash in one for now

[Inspirachion]

Thanks for your help everyone.

I reckon it will be at least 12 weeks before it grows enough to be cut out.

I didn't know about PPD so will call a manufacture help line for advice about that and anything else that might be the culprit. I go for the bright reds/auburns they cheer me up and keep me looking bright and feeling lively! A lot of benefit from a bottle of dye!

Heres hoping theres an alternative option.

Wash in/out or semi permanant is a good idea and definately worth looking into thanks for suggestiong that. I'll test them first now of course. Wondered about henna too as have never tried that.

[Inspirachion]

BTW Made it into work (despite several inches of snow) compelte with major roots and felt so aware/embarassed of them. Nearly kept my wooly hat on!

Wondering if going to Boots to investigate the wash in/wash out would count as 'essential' travel in this weather

Thanks again for the advice/info and suggestions.