Severe allergic hair dye reactions in 8 children.
Serious adverse skin reactions to permanent hair dyes and temporary black tattoos have been reported. As temporary tattoos have become fashionable among adolescents, the risk profile for p-phenylenediamine (PPD) sensitization of the population has changed simultaneously with an increasing use of hair dyes in this age group. This investigation reports PPD sensitization in children with regard to cause of sensitization, clinical presentation and consequences. Clinical history and patch test results for consecutive children below 16 years of age with suspected hair dye allergic reactions and positive patch tests to PPD were collected over 2 years in 2 Danish dermatology clinics. 8 children aged 12-15 years were collected, and they all reacted to several hair dye ingredients. 5 of the patients were hospitalized, 1 in the intensive care unit. 6 of the patients gave a history of prior reaction to temporary black tattoos. These children showed simultaneous positive patch reactions to N-isopropyl-N-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine and local anaesthetics, while such reaction patterns were not seen in children with hair dye reactions only. The clinical consequences of these reactions are unknown. A re-evaluation of the risk assessment/risk management for hair dyes is required.
National Allergy Research Centre, Department of Dermatology, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, 2900 Helleup, Denmark. hesos@gentoftehosp.kbhamt.dk
Heidi
H
Sosted
Jeanne Duus
JD
Johansen
Klaus Ejner
KE
Andersen
Torkil
T
Menné
D000293:Adolescent; D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D002648:Child; D003718:Denmark / Q000453:epidemiology; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006202:Hair Dyes / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records; D010328:Patch Tests; D010655:Phenylenediamines / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013653:Tattooing / Q000009:adverse effects
D000485:Allergens; D006202:Hair Dyes; D010655:Phenylenediamines; C029728:4-phenylenediamine