Paint burn to the head: signs, causes, treatment, recovery, prevention

Signs of skin burn after hair coloring

You can distinguish a skin burn after unsuccessful dyeing, for example, from individual intolerance to the components of the composition, by a number of characteristic signs:

redness;
itching – varying degrees of intensity;
burning;
formation of blisters - immediately after a burn or after some time;
swelling in the temporal area of the face and cheekbones;
local hair loss;
temperature increase;
weakness;
fever, chills;
labored breathing;
increased heart rate;
nausea;
vomit;
dyspnea;
increased blood pressure.

Composition and effect of hair dye

The bulk of coloring agents are chemical elements. They include:

hydrogen peroxide - it is responsible for the oxidation reaction. Depending on the concentration of the component, the degree of effect on the hair differs. The minimum peroxide content is no more than 2%, which does not cause significant harm to the bulbs. A maximum concentration of 12% can cause irreparable harm to the hair structure;
Ammonia is an aggressive and toxic substance that causes the unpleasant odor that comes from most paints. With frequent use, it makes hair weak and brittle;
Oxidation pigment is what gives the hair the desired shade. If dyed incorrectly, it causes hair loss.

Composition of ammonia-free products:

monoethanolamine - a component that replaces ammonia. It causes less damage to the hair, while the effect of the pigment is several times weaker, which does not always allow one to obtain the desired result;
plant extracts;
vitamins;
oils;
organics - honey, herbs, spices, berries.

Important! Do not mix ammonia-free paints with permanent ones.

Prevention measures

Experts give the following recommendations for safe hair coloring:

do not mix paint components in metal containers;
the paint is prepared before the procedure; storage of the composition is unacceptable;
choose only proven formulations that have been tested by dermatologists;
try to use paint with a minimum content of harmful chemical components;
When purchasing, look at the expiration dates;
If possible, use natural dyes, such as henna.

Advice! After each use of coloring compositions, use medicinal masks, rinses, and herbal decoctions.

Causes of scalp burns from hair dye

The most common cause of scalp burns after coloring is exceeding the application time of the chemical composition. The product must not be overexposed; all stages of the procedure must comply with the attached instructions.

The epidermis is damaged and begins to deteriorate from prolonged exposure to alkaline components, peroxide, and ammonia. All of these substances individually can lead to severe injuries, but together they become an aggressive compound that requires increased attention and care when used.

Such reactions, as a rule, occur at home, when a person carries out the procedure on his own, using not the most expensive and high-quality product from the store.

In salons, hairdressers use professional dyes, which are much safer in composition and have a gentler effect on the skin and hair. In addition, when conducting a session under the supervision of a master, the risk of getting such negative consequences as allergies and burns is minimal. And even if they occur, there is a person nearby who can provide proper first aid.

Symptoms

A burn to the scalp after dyeing appears immediately. Its main symptoms are:

pain, burning;
severe redness;
local increase in temperature;
the formation of blisters filled with watery contents;
the appearance of wounds, ulcers, erosions.

Depending on the depth of damage to the scalp, there are 3 degrees of chemical burns from paint.

Superficial damage, accompanied by slight pain, burning, redness of the skin, itching and peeling.
Involvement of deeper structures in pathological processes, manifested by cracking and peeling of the skin, the formation of wounds and blisters with watery liquid. Local symptoms may be supplemented by general manifestations of intoxication: headache, nausea, malaise.
The spread of damage to all layers of the epidermis and dermis, characterized by severe pain, the formation of large blisters filled with bloody contents, and open oozing wounds on the skin.

In the classification of chemical burns, there is also a 4th degree of damage, in which the damage affects not only the skin, but also the subcutaneous tissue, muscle and nerve fibers. But it is virtually impossible to get a 4th degree burn from hair dye.

Differences from allergies

In addition to burns, the coloring composition can provoke an allergic reaction. With an allergy, unlike a burn, the integrity of the skin is not compromised. There is only redness of the skin, swelling, itching, peeling, and rash. General signs of allergies may also develop: nasal congestion and difficulty breathing, sneezing, watery eyes.

An allergic reaction can occur immediately or within 2 days after hair coloring. To prevent allergies from being complicated by eczema or hives, it is better to consult an allergist or dermatologist if alarming symptoms appear. The most severe manifestations of allergies requiring emergency medical care are angioedema and anaphylactic shock.

How to prevent skin damage when dyeing

If you dye at home, there is a risk of skin damage. To eliminate negative consequences from the procedure, use the recommendations of professional stylists and hairdressers:

trust only high-quality products - do not buy cheap and dubious brands. Give preference to professional lines for hair coloring and care;
carefully read the composition - the fewer active chemical components, the better;
do not increase the exposure time of the paint - keep the composition for as long as indicated on the package. Follow all manufacturer's recommendations;
Conduct testing before starting the procedure. Even a high-quality composition may not suit you and cause allergies. Dab some paint onto the crook of your elbow. Look at the reaction. Signs of an allergy – redness, swelling, itching. If even one of these symptoms appears, do not use the composition on your hair;
At least 24 hours must pass from the last wash to painting. This time is enough for the body to produce subcutaneous fat - a natural protective barrier. It minimizes the negative effects of the product on the hair and scalp.

After you wash off the paint, use skincare cosmetics - make a nourishing mask, apply a restoring balm. To avoid skin irritation, rinse your head with an infusion of medicinal chamomile, brewed in the proportion: a tablespoon per liter of boiling water. Keep in mind that chamomile can turn yellow on bleached hair.

What to do if you burn your scalp with hair dye

Paint burns are not a common occurrence, but no one is immune from them. Therefore, before you change your image yourself, you need to familiarize yourself with the rules of urgent assistance:

The first step is to remove the composition from the head. You should rinse it well for 20-30 minutes with running cool, but not cold or hot water . This way the skin will be completely cooled and cleansed of irritants.
If there is a strong burning sensation after washing off the paint, you can apply a cool compress wrapped in film to your head to prevent the fabric from sticking.
Panthenol should be applied to the skin in the form of a spray.
As a pain reliever, before the doctor arrives, you can take a tablet of Analgin, Dolaren, Nise or another drug with a similar effect.
Seek medical help immediately.

If the reaction is still caused by hypersensitivity and attacks of itching, swelling or suffocation begin, you should urgently take an antihistamine, for example, Loratadine, Suprastin, Zilola, Tavegil, Eden.

After treatment of the scalp, you may need a course of hair restoration, which is prescribed by a trichologist.

Olazol

To restore the scalp, another pharmaceutical product is used - Olazol ointment. It should be applied based on the following rules:

It is necessary to wash the skin and dry it;
Then the ointment is applied in an even layer to the skin;
Procedures need to be performed 1-4 times a day;
Shake the product before use.

Post-burn therapy

Treatment of chemical exposure may include both classical medications and folk remedies. It all depends on the severity of the burn.

Traditional treatment

The first and most necessary medications are those containing dexpanthenol, a B vitamin, a derivative of pantothenic acid. Such means include:

cream and spray Panthenol,
Bepanten cream,
Pantestin ointment and cream.

They have anti-inflammatory, healing, cooling and antiseptic properties. The products help restore damaged tissues, prevent the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms, moisturize and nourish skin cells. Dexpanthenol is absolutely safe and hypoallergenic .

The following drugs have a similar effect:

spray Olazol,
Solcoseryl ointment,
ointment Radevit.

These agents stimulate tissue regeneration, accelerating the process of division of healthy cells, activate local metabolism, disinfect damaged areas, and eliminate inflammation.

In addition to these ointments, solutions of Furacilin or Chlorhexidine are used to treat the consequences of a chemical burn. Bandages soaked in one of them are applied to the affected area in case of formation of cracks, wounds, ulcers, or diaper rash.

To eliminate possible allergic manifestations, the doctor prescribes antihistamines. They help relieve swelling, redness, and itching that appears as the skin heals. In extreme cases, surgery may be necessary to remove dead tissue.

Panthenol

An effective medicine is Panthenol ointment. The medicine has the following functions:

Anti-inflammatory;
Healing;
Restorative;
Antiseptic;
Nutritious.

The ointment is applied to damaged areas of the scalp 2-3 times a day.
Before this, the skin should be washed and dried. The product can be applied in a thick layer. After just a few procedures, pain decreases and the skin is restored. Panthenol ointment is a safe product, but due to the high concentration of dexpanthenol, allergies may occur. Therefore, you must first read the instructions. Another effective remedy is D-panthenol ointment or cream.

Risk of burns when dyeing hair

The consequences of an unsuccessful staining procedure depend on the degree of damage. For minor thermal or chemical burns, skin and hair can be restored with topical medications and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Mesotherapy and skin care procedures aimed at cleansing, exfoliating, and nourishing the skin are used as additional self-help.

For more serious damage, when the hair follicles are affected, their partial restoration is possible after a course of drug therapy prescribed by a trichologist.

Treatment of itchy scalp in adults and children

Treatment should begin with a detailed diagnosis. Based on the results of studies - laboratory tests, trichoscopy, phototrichogram - the patient will be prescribed local therapy (shampoos, ointments, lotions, etc.), medications, hormones, vitamins, microelements - in each case, the treatment plan will be personalized specifically for a specific person. Some ailments, such as parasitic infections, can be cured fairly quickly. Some, for example, skin diseases, require more multi-stage and lengthy treatment.