Dermatitis caused by Hair Color

 

Dermatitis is a term meaning inflammation of the skin. Inflammation of the skin is recognized by redness, pain, itching, swelling, and the appearance of blisters. The sad news is that dermatitis can be caused by so many different things including allergies and even parasites.

 

 

There are different forms of dermatitis such as seborrheic dermatitis that can affect not only the scalp but other areas of the body such as the chest, face, as well as the creases of the arms, legs, and groin. Many times dermatitis is brought on by allergies as mentioned above or by irritants where placed on the body or by working with the irritant. This condition is not contagious and is not life threatening.

 

Causes of dermatitis can include genetics, other skin diseases, and irritants, such as poison sumac, poison ivy, and chemical used in hair coloring. In the majority of cases, dermatitis is brought on by exposure to chemicals, which does include chemical found in hair dyes and hair coloring. If you read the back of the box or the instruction, paper included with the hair-coloring product you will notice that a warning is on the label asking you to perform a test prior to using the product. This test will let you know if you will have any type of problem using the product. Those that work in the factories manufacturing the various hair dyes have complained of many different illnesses with one being dermatitis caused by hair color ingredients.

 

What to look for if you suspect dermatitis caused by hair color usage

  • Rash on the scalp
  • Lesions on the scalp
  • Redness on the scalp
  • Inflammation on the scalp
  • Swelling of the scalp
  • Itching of the scalp

 

  • What to look for if you suspect dermatitis caused by hair color manufacturing
  • Rash on the exposed area
  • Lesions on the exposed area
    • Redness on the exposed area
  • Inflammation on the exposed area
  • Swelling on the exposed area
  • Itching on the exposed area

 

 

Treatment of Dermatitis caused by hair color products

Your physician will recommend that you do not use the product for coloring your hair. If you work in the factory creating the product you will need to wear protective clothing, gloves, and possibly a mask to ensure you do not inhale the fumes.

 

In most cases, you will be provided with a cream that will help with the itching, however, the only way (if the cause is a hair coloring product or the manufacturing of the hair coloring product) is to not use the product or protect your body from the chemicals.