Hair dye-sensitized hairdressers: the cross-reaction pattern with new generation hair dyes.

Rolf Fautz, Anne Fuchs, Henk van der Walle, Vida Henny, Luuk Smits

Index: Contact Dermatitis 46(6) , 319-24, (2002)

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Abstract

Hair dye allergies are a frequent cause of occupational skin disease among hairdressers. Conventional hair dyes contain 4-phenylenediamine (PPD), 2, 5-diaminotoluene sulfate (DTS) and 2-nitro-4-phenylenediamine (ONPPD) as allergens. In new generation hair dyes, FD & C and D & C dyes are used in the hair dye formulations. This study investigated the cross-reaction pattern of new generation hair dyes among hairdressers (n = 40) with a known allergy to PPD and/or DTS and/or ONPPD. In the 40 hairdressers no positive reactions were observed to the single FD & C and D & C dyes. In two hairdressers, doubtful reactions were observed to one or more of the hair dye formulations. The data from this study suggest that for hairdressers sensitized to PPD and/or DTS and/or ONPPD this new generation of hair dyes is a safe alternative for use in their salons.