Issue link: https://www.ahpindiestylist.com/i/1528796
Explore your benefits at associatedhairprofessionals.com 25 Skin Reactions As noted, one of the most immediate threats of PPD is its potential to cause severe skin reactions, ranging from mild irritations to contact dermatitis. Symptoms include itching, redness, swelling, and blistering. While these symptoms often appear immediately, delayed reactions can happen, with symptoms appearing days after exposure. Whether the client immediately notices something isn't quite right or they connect the dots days later, their reaction should not be dismissed as a fluke—reactions become more severe and extensive with subsequent contacts. Fibroblast Toxicity Research has shown that PPD can be toxic to skin fibroblast cells, which are crucial for wound healing and skin integrity. 2 Exposure to PPD has been linked to free radical damage, mitochondrial damage, and cellular self- destruction. ese cellular disruptions not only affect skin health but can also lead to more severe systemic issues. Triggering Other Conditions Sensitivity or reaction to PPD can be the first domino in a cascade that triggers other conditions, including: • Erythema multiforme—A painful, itchy skin condition that causes a rash of red, raised, target-like lesions that can appear on the skin or mucous membranes. • Contact urticaria—A raised, itchy, burning swelling of the skin that appears within 10–60 minutes of exposure and goes away within 24 hours. e bumps can be pink, red, or flesh-colored and range in size from a pinprick to several inches across. • Contact leukoderma—A type of vitiligo that results from repeated exposure to specific chemical compounds. In some rare cases, PPD exposure can lead to severe systemic reactions like asthma, anaphylaxis, and acute renal failure. 3 THE IMPORTANCE OF PATCH TESTING Because there is a rise in sensitivity to darker hair dyes, it's important to perform patch testing. Although the process may seem tedious to require clients to test and wait, it can quite literally save them from the headache (and other allergic reactions) they may experience if they are sensitive to, or allergic to, the dye formula. After allowing the patch test to develop, look for any strong immediate reactions, especially in individuals previously sensitive to black henna tattoos. If your client is particularly sensitive, consider scheduling a check-in at the 24- and 72-hour marks post-application and again after seven days to be safe. Hair pros constantly handling hair dyes without proper protective measures are at a higher risk of developing occupational dermatitis, respiratory issues, and even systemic toxicities.