It’s easy to skip the patch test before dyeing hair, but one woman’s story underscores why that little test is a must. Estelle, a 19-year-old student from France, had an intense reaction to a hair dye that caused her face to swell to twice its usual size, resembling what she called a “lightbulb.”
The Patch Test That Wasn’t Long Enough
Estelle performed a patch test on her skin, but she only waited 30 minutes before applying the dye to her hair, despite the instructions to wait 48 hours. Almost immediately, she noticed itching and swelling on her scalp, which continued to worsen through the night. After applying antihistamines and anti-itch cream, Estelle went to bed, hoping the reaction would subside. But by morning, her head had swollen to 24.8 inches in circumference, well beyond her usual 22 inches. Her tongue also began to swell, leading to difficulty breathing.
A Hospital Rush and a Serious Diagnosis
Realizing the severity of her symptoms, Estelle was rushed to the hospital, where doctors determined she was experiencing a severe allergic reaction to PPD (paraphenylenediamine), a chemical commonly found in hair dyes. PPD can cause reactions ranging from mild skin irritation to dangerous swelling and respiratory distress. Estelle shared that the experience left her feeling like she was fighting for air, unsure if she’d make it to the hospital in time. She told Newsweek how frightening it was not knowing how quickly the swelling would progress, as her airway was partially obstructed.
A Close Call with a Lifesaving Treatment
Once at the hospital, doctors administered an adrenaline shot and monitored Estelle overnight. Though she feared for her life, she recovered and can now look back on the ordeal with a sense of humor about the “lightbulb” shape her face took on. Estelle now hopes her story will encourage others to take patch tests seriously. Allergies to PPD can range in severity, and in some cases, they can even lead to life-threatening issues like renal or respiratory failure. Milder reactions may still cause redness, itching, or blistering around the application area.
Calls for Clearer Product Warnings
Estelle also expressed that hair dye companies could do more to highlight the risks associated with PPD. She believes warnings on the packaging should be clearer, encouraging users to conduct a proper patch test and avoid potentially dangerous side effects. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration considers hair dyes containing PPD safe when used correctly. But Estelle’s experience is a reminder to follow all product instructions, including the patch test, to ensure a safe and beautiful result—without any unwanted swelling.
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