Auckland Allergy Clinic – What’s New September 2010

Welcome to the Auckland Allergy Clinic web site. This section will bring you the latest breaking news in Allergy & Clinical Immunology and also additions we have made to the Clinic in the last month.

The Allergy News information provided on this web site is reviewed and approved by the Allergists at the Auckland Allergy Clinic. The information is sourced from International Medical Journals and Newspapers. These articles are chosen either because they are thought to be particularly good studies, very interesting Allergy News or relevant to New Zealand. The articles may not necessarily be the views of the editor. Where relevant the editor will add his/her comments at the bottom of the review.

These updates are provided for educational, communication and information purposes only.

Previous Newsletters:

September 2009

February 2009
July 2008
December 2007
May 2007

December 2006
April 2006
February 2006
May 2005

October 2004
August 2004
March 2004
January 2004

Paraphenelyenediamine (PPD) Allergy in New Zealand: An Update on Allergic Reaction to hair dyes in New Zealand

Vincent St Aubyn Crump FRACP, FRCP (UK) – September, 2010

Based on a personal observation from patch testing done in my clinic and from the increasing number of calls regarding reactions to hair dye, it is obvious that there has been a true increase in the incidence of reactions to hair dye along with an increase in awareness. This article outlines the legislation on labelling hair dyes in New Zealand, and discusses some of the possible causes why we are seeing more allergic reaction to hair dyes & how to prevent them.

Prevalence of Paraphenylenediamine (PPD) allergy in New Zealand

Unpublished data based on 211 consecutive patch tests done at the Auckland Allergy Clinic in 2009 showed that 9.47% of the patients reacted to PPD, compared to 7.1% in 2007.

What is paraphenelyenediamine?

Paraphenelyenediamine or PPD is a chemical which is the main colouring agent in permanent and semi-permanent hair dyes and is the main cause for reactions to hair dyes. It can also be found in temporary "henna" tattoos, fur dyes, textiles, dark coloured cosmetics, black rubber, photocopying and printing inks.