Allergic To Paraphenylenediamine?

[Tessa]

Thank you for taking part in the poll. I hope you do not mind answering my questions. I hope I?ve included all the possible options you could answer. (it is a multiple choice).

For those of you who do not know,

Paraphenylenediamine (PPD) is a chemical substance that is widely used as a permanent hair dye. It may also been found in textile or fur dyes, dark coloured cosmetics, temporary tattoos, photographic developer and lithography plates, photocopying and printing inks, black rubber, oils, greases and gasoline.

Source: Dermatitis

I was wondering if you have problems with the hair tint and if you have been tested for being allergic to paraphenylenediamine.

Every time I am going to the hairdresser to get my hair tinted, a few days later the skin of my head becomes extremely itchy. Scratching leads to redness, cracking, and finally, crusting and scaling.

I knew there was something wrong with my skin as it also reacts to other products for instance to depilatory cream. I think I get a kind of Dermatitis Herpetiformis everytime I use it on my legs... Now I know that that specific depilatory cream had GLUTEN! It was an allergic reaction as I was becoming increasingly sensitive to it and the reaction was worse every time I used it.

Can you imagine having some of these on your legs?

(I am intollerant to gluten)

With regard to the hair. It is supposed to be Dermatitis... And it is different to the reaction to the depilatory cream.

You can read more about it here:

NIAMS

According to this website:

Atopic dermatitis is also associated with malfunction of the body's immune system

Immune system again.

:???:

I have read that it is also associated with an allergic reaction to a local anesthetic called NOVOCAINE. (Which I had some years ago) -

My skin (on my head) becomes so itchy after going to the hairdresser that I cannot avoid scratching.

The skin of my head becomes redness (but you cannot see it as it is under the hair) and then comes the worst and "painful" part. The skin cracks and crusts and falls apart...

I have been in contact with an expert of the Spanish Association of Atopic Dermatitis and after explaining my skin?s reaction to the hair tint he said that I am likely allergic to paraphenylenediamine (PPD) and suggested going to a dermatologist to carry out the test.

I have been to another hairdresser and he has promised to be very careful with the tint, but I am starting to become more cautious. Maybe I should stop it until a specialist confirms the diagnosis and tells me what to do about it. What if I have a worse reaction?

Grey hair is not nice. I do not like it. Furthermore, as it happened to my father, it has started at a very early age and I feel :oops: having some grey hairs, but... What else can I do?

Furthermore, I am waiting for a ap. with the Alergologist.

Do you suffer these reactions?

Please, feel free to add your comments. I would like to share experiences, doubts and suggestions.

Thank you.

Love,

Tessa

[Tessa]

I added an option to the poll and now my results are erased.

Tessa

I will answer the poll here for you.

Allergic To Paraphenylenediamine?

I suspect I am and will consult an alergologist

Do you have other allergies? (multiple choice)

Food allergies (gluten, casein, lactose, sea foods...)

Reactions to local anesthetics (&/or other medicines)

Asma (&/or Polen, dust, etc.)

I guess I have but have to consult a specialist

Do you have Dermatitis, Eczema or Dermatitis Herpetiformis (multiple choice)

Dermatitis

Eczema

Dermatitis Herpetiformis

Yes, different kinds of dermatitis

Itchy rashes / Itchy skin

[mkoven]

I've decided to let myself go grey. I'm allergic to so many things, it's not worth it. I'm 40, and have one medium-sized streak in front, and then some randomly scattered throughout. (My hair is otherwise dark brown). Maybe only 5%, but noticeable. I try to tell myself I look like Susan Sontag (yeah, right!).

I've become allergic to many shampoos too, so I have to use hypoallergenic shampoo and everything without fragrance. (I'm also allergic to anti-perspirant-- very embarrasing. I can wear deodorant, but still get not-subtle stains).

In my experience, these reactions often get worse if you keep exposing yourself to the same allergens.

Otherwise, can you try different types of dyes?

[Tessa]

Otherwise, can you try different types of dyes?

I have not tried different types of dyes, but now I am afraid. My reaction has been worse every time and as I got the ap. with the alergologist for 7/30, maybe it is better to wait.

Furthermore, I still feel some discomfort on my skin (head)...

I do not like the idea of getting grey hair, but... I have to admit that health is more important.

Thank you for answering my post/poll.

Love,

Tessa

[Tanzanite]

You could try Naturtint but make sure it's the semi-permanent one. It has no PPD's, no ammonia, no peroxide, no resorcinol so ideal for people who can't use dyes. It is made with herbs and veggies.

[Tessa]

You could try Naturtint but make sure it's the semi-permanent one. It has no PPD's, no ammonia, no peroxide, no resorcinol so ideal for people who can't use dyes. It is made with herbs and veggies.

Thank you for the info. Do you use it or do you know if it can cover grey hair?

Even though, I will wait until my skin is feeling better and after the alergologist?s tests.

Interesting result from the poll. I can see that most of us have some allergies... I would love seeing other?s answer to the poll. The more people, the best results we can get.

Thank you for taking part and for your answers

Love,

Tessa

[Tanzanite]

I haven't tried it myself yet but have a bottle waiting for when I feel a bit better. I think it does cover grey but best to check the makers website.

[Tessa]

Tanzanite

I?ve visited their website and it mentions the following:

hese products contain ingredients which may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction on certain individuals and a preliminary sensitive test should be made according to accompanying instructions. Contains phenylenediamines & hydrogen peroxide. Not to be used for dyeing eyelashes or eye brows, may cause blindness. Avoid contact with eyes. Wear enclosed gloves & rinse hair after application.

Source: Naturtint

Furthermore, it does not mention to cover grey hair.

First I have to see the alergologist. Maybe he/she knows a tint that we can use. I will ask

Love,

Tessa

[Tanzanite]

that's the permanent one, you need the semi-permanent one.

See here http://www.naturesdream.co.uk/naturtint/reflex.php

[Tessa]

Oh, that?s good news!

Thanks for sharing. I had no idea. I found the information I posted and thought we had no other option. That?s great!

I apologize for my lack of knowledge, but what does semi-permanent mean?

And will it cover grey hair?

it mentions:

Successfully covers mid-range grey

Mid-range grey?

Love,

Tessa

[Tanzanite]

A Semi-permanent lasts for a about 4-6wks depending on the condition of your hair. Over processed hair that has been bleached/dyed a lot in the past or if you use a lot of hair straighteners etc means your hair will soak the dye up a little more and so last a bit longer.

Semi-permanents don't change the colour inside the shaft of the hair, but merely 'coat' the outside of the shaft of hair which means you wont have to grow out the colour and you wont get roots. It will simply fade each time you wash your hair and as time goes by.

Mid-range grey I'm assuming they mean, a mid-tone of grey, rather than light grey or a dark coarse grey. If you had light grey hair the colour would come out a lot brighter. Darker grey the dye may not cover it so well and it may be patchy.

Try a strand test of hair to see what the colour result will be. Also do a patch test 48hrs before just in case your allergic to any of the natural stuff in it. You shouldn't be, but with our tendancy to be sensitive to everything it's best to do a patch test.