Patch tests with commercial hair dye products in patients with allergic contact dermatitis to para‑phenylenediamine.
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Date
2016-11
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Abstract
Background: Hair dye is one of the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis.
The main allergen has been identified as para‑phenylenediamine. To prevent the recurrence
of contact dermatitis to para‑phenylenediamine, patients should discontinue the use of
para‑phenylenediamine‑containing hair dye products. However, many patients are unable
to discontinue their use for cosmetic or social reasons. Sometimes, they continue to have
symptoms even after switching to so‑called “less allergenic” hair dyes. Objectives: To
evaluate the safety of 15 commercially available hair dye products in patients with allergic
contact dermatitis due to para‑phenylenediamine. Methods: We performed patch tests
using 15 hair dyes that were advertised as “hypoallergenic,” “no para‑phenylenediamine”
and “non‑allergenic” products in the market. Results: Twenty three patients completed the
study and 20 (87.0%) patients had a positive patch test reaction to at least one product.
While four (26.7%) hair dye products contained para‑phenylenediamine, 10 (66.7%) out of
15 contained m‑aminophenol and 7 (46.7%) contained toluene‑2,5‑diamine sulfate. Only
one product did not elicit a positive reaction in any patient. Limitations: Small sample size
and possibility of false‑positive reactions. Conclusions: Dermatologists should educate
patients with allergic contact dermatitis to para‑phenylenediamine about the importance of
performing sensitivity testing prior to the actual use of any hair dye product, irrespective of
how it is advertised or labelled.
Description
Keywords
Allergic contact dermatitis, hair dye, para‑phenylenediamine, patch test
Citation
Lee Hyun-Joo, Kim Won-Jeong, Kim Jun-Young, Kim Hoon-Soo, Kim Byung-Soo, Kim Moon-Bum, Ko Hyun-Chang. Patch tests with commercial hair dye products in patients with allergic contact dermatitis to para‑phenylenediamine. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology. 2016 Nov-Dec; 82(6): 645-650.