Allergic Contact Dermatitis of the Scalp Associated With Scalp Applied Products: A Systematic Review of Topical Allergens

July 2022 in “ PubMed ”

Christine T. N. Pham, Margit Juhász, W. Marston Linehan, Kiana Hashemi, Golara Honari, Natasha Atanaskova Mesinkovska

TLDR Hair dyes, shampoos, and conditioners often cause scalp allergies due to common allergens like p-phenylenediamine and nickel.

The systematic review aimed to identify common allergens in scalp-applied products that caused allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) of the scalp. The study analyzed 99 studies involving 3,185 patients and identified 31 categories of scalp products. Hair dyes, shampoos, and conditioners were the most frequently associated with scalp ACD, accounting for 41%, 28%, and 22% of cases, respectively. The most common allergens identified through patch tests were p-phenylenediamine (23%), nickel (15%), fragrance mix (13%), balsam of Peru (10%), cocamidopropyl betaine/3-dimethylaminopropylamine (7%), and methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (6%). Symptoms included eczematous lesions, pruritus, and a burning sensation. The study emphasized the importance of medical practitioners being aware of these allergens to provide appropriate patient education and treatment.

View this study on pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

10 / 10 results

research Common Allergens Identified Based on Patch Test Results in Patients with Suspected Contact Dermatitis of the Scalp

16 citations , December 2016 in “Skin appendage disorders”

Nickel, cobalt, balsam of Peru, fragrance mix, carba mix, and propylene glycol are common allergens causing scalp contact dermatitis.

research Contact Alopecia: Improvement of Alopecia with Discontinuation of Fluocinolone Oil in Individuals Allergic to Balsam Fragrance

11 citations , October 2016 in “Pediatric dermatology”

Stopping the use of fluocinolone oil containing balsam fragrance improved hair regrowth in children allergic to it.

research Scalp Psoriasiform Contact Dermatitis with Acute Telogen Effluvium Due to Topical Minoxidil Treatment

14 citations , January 2015 in “Skin appendage disorders”

Minoxidil treatment for hair loss can cause scalp allergy and severe hair loss.

research Pustular Allergic Contact Dermatitis from Topical Minoxidil 5%

16 citations , January 2007 in “JEADV. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology/Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

A man had an allergic reaction to minoxidil, which stopped after he discontinued use and started corticosteroids.

Positive Lymphocyte Transformation Test in a Patient with Allergic Contact Dermatitis of the Scalp After Short-Term Use of Topical Minoxidil Solution

research Positive Lymphocyte Transformation Test in a Patient with Allergic Contact Dermatitis of the Scalp After Short-Term Use of Topical Minoxidil Solution

38 citations , June 2005 in “Contact Dermatitis”

Patient had scalp allergy from minoxidil; test helped identify cause and suggest alternative treatments.

research Allergic Contact Dermatitis from Dyes in Wigs Following Diphenylcyclopropenone Treatment

8 citations , September 2004 in “Contact dermatitis”

Avoiding dyed wigs and clothing improved severe allergic reactions in a woman treated with diphencyprone.

research 55 Cases of Allergic Reactions to Hair Dye: A Descriptive, Consumer Complaint-Based Study

98 citations , November 2002 in “Contact Dermatitis”

Many people had severe allergic reactions to a common hair dye ingredient, causing them to seek medical care and miss work.

research Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Topical Minoxidil Solution: Etiology and Treatment

123 citations , February 2002 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil can cause skin allergy; use alternative solvents or treatments if allergic.

research Telogen Effluvium After Allergic Contact Dermatitis of the Scalp

16 citations , February 2001 in “PubMed”

Allergic scalp reactions can cause temporary hair loss.

research Topical Minoxidil Sensitization in Androgenic Alopecia

14 citations , July 1987 in “Contact Dermatitis”

A small percentage of minoxidil users may develop an allergic skin reaction.

Similar Research

5 / 1000+ results

research Hair Product Allergy: A Review of Epidemiology and Management

April 2024 in “Curēus”

Hair product allergies are common, especially to hair dyes, and hairdressers are at higher risk.

research Hair Care Cosmetics Regulation in Different Countries: A Comparative Study

2 citations , January 2019 in “Applied clinical research, clinical trials and regulatory affairs”

Different countries have regulations to ensure the safety of hair care products, with some recalling hair straighteners due to high formaldehyde.

research Hair Cosmetics

43 citations , January 2013 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

The article concludes that advancements in hair cosmetics require dermatologists to stay informed about products and their potential risks, including allergies and higher risks for hairdressers.

research Hair Care and Cosmetics

January 2013 in “Springer eBooks”

Hair care products are important for appearance and self-esteem, and choosing the right ones can help maintain healthy hair.

Tolerability of Hair Cleansing Conditioners: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating Consumer Complaints to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration

research Tolerability of Hair Cleansing Conditioners: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating Consumer Complaints to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration

4 citations , March 2020 in “Cutaneous and ocular toxicology”

Wen by Chaz Dean Sweet Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioner is better tolerated than salicylic acid and baby shampoos.