Frequently asked questions
This article has been translated from Finnish to English by Semantix. You can find the original article at the web adress https://www.kosmetiikka-allergia.fi/tietopankki/usein-kysytyt-kysymyksetKirjaudu
A hairdresser dyed my hair brown with a permanent dye and the next day my scalp was very itchy. Can I still use the same hair dye in the future?
Allergic reactions caused by hair dyes is usually allergic contact dermatitis, and its symptoms typically start within a few hours to 4 days after dyeing the hair. Extreme itching in the scalp the day after dyeing the hair is a possible symptom of a hair dye allergy. Before dyeing your hair again, you should contact a dermatologist to find out the reason for the allergic reaction. If you continue to colour your hair despite the allergic reaction, you may have even more severe reaction next time.
The most common substance causing hair dye allergy is paraphenylenediamine (PPD). A person allergic to PPD should also avoid the use of other PPD-related chemicals and its derivatives.
I think I am allergic to ingredients of cosmetic products. How can I find out which ingredient I am allergic to?
Allergy to cosmetic products is diagnosed by skin test, i.e. patch tests. You need a referral from a dermatologist for patch tests, so you should first consult a dermatologist who will give you a referral.
How is nickel indicated in cosmetic products?
Nickel cannot be found in the list of ingredients because it is not used as an added ingredient in cosmetic products. However, small amounts of nickel can be included as impurity in the raw materials of mascaras, eyeshadows and powders. A person with allergy to nickel rarely gets rash from make-up.
I am planning to have eyelash extensions and sculptured nails, but I have heard that they may cause allergy. What kind of symptoms they can cause?
The glue used to attach the eyelashes and the acrylates in the acrylic gel mass for making the nails can cause an allergic reaction, skin irritation or respiratory symptoms. Typical signs of allergic reaction include rash, itching, redness and flaky skin. Eyelids can also swell. Sometimes the reaction caused by eyelash extensions can be very severe: the eyelids may swell so much that the eyes close. For these reasons, I recommend you to reconsider if you really want to have eyelash extensions and sculptured nails.
If you still decide to have eyelash extensions and sculptured nails, you should have them done with a professional who has received a proper training regarding the ingredients of the products, hygiene and the application process. If proper hygiene is not applied during the application process, it may lead to an eye infection or paronychia.
I am allergic to methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone. How can I recognise it in cosmetic products?
In cosmetic products, methylchloroisothiazolinone is indicated with its INCI name Methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone with its INCI name Methylisothiazolinone. The use of methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone is only allowed in rinse-off cosmetic products.