'Dramatic' increase in hair dye allergies

Fairfax

DYING SHAME: There has been a dramatic increase in allergic reactions to hair dye around the world, says Dr Vincent St Aubyn Crump of the Auckland Allergy Clinic.

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An increase in people colouring their hair at a younger age has seen a "dramatic increase" in allergic reactions to hair dye, an allergy specialist says.

Itching of the scalp, redness and swelling of the face were symptoms, the latest issue of Allergy Today magazine said.

There had been a "dramatic increase in allergic reactions to hair dye internationally," said Dr Vincent St Aubyn Crump, of the Auckland Allergy Clinic.

In the past, hair dye was used to cover grey hair, but more people were now using it at a younger age, especially teenagers , Dr Crump said.

"Many people are also doing it themselves, and as the 'credit crunch' worsens, more and more will probably be doing so."

The main cause of the allergic reactions was a chemical in the hair dye called Para-phenylenediamine (PPD), the main colouring agent in permanent and semi-permanent hair dyes.

PPD was also found in henna tattoos, marketed at young people, and this was thought to be a major contributor to the increase in reactions, Dr Crump said.

Because the tattoos were applied straight on the skin, there was an increased risk of sensitisation, he said.

"Ironically, the general public assumes that henna is `natural' and safe and they're totally unaware they are allowing their children to be exposed to a highly sensitising chemical, PPD."

PPD had caused serious problems in Germany, France and Sweden, but had not been banned in New Zealand, Dr Crump said.

New regulations meant that from July it would need to be disclosed on the label, including a warning of allergic reactions.

It was important to do a patch test, or allergy test, 48 hours before each hair dye to ensure there were no allergic reactions, Dr Crump said.

-NZPA