Looks like my folliculitis was caused by an allergy to PPD, an ingredient found in every permanent hair dye in the US (and banned in Europe!)I had an itchy rash, boils and swelling on my hairline and scalp for months. The first dermatologist I consulted diagnosed folliculitis and put me on minocin for 10 days. When i didn't help, he suggested I stay on it for 10-12 weeks. No thanks! He also gave me an antifungal shampoo which did not help. The second dermatologist also thought it was folliculitis and was going to do a biopsy, but when I mentioned that I had colored my hair a few days before and it seemed to make it worse, she suggested a True Test allergy patch test. We found that I am extremely allergic to PPD and a few chemicals related to it. I have not used PPD since for about six weeks and my skin is much better--knock on wood. I have my fingers crossed that PPD was the problem. It's nasty stuff--a petroleum derivative that may be carcinogenic as well. Now I just need something to color my gray roots!
EC: Hi Jb:
You might find some interesting info in this thread - see post by Darwin: http://askville.amazon.com/Hypo-Allergenic-Hair-Dye/AnswerViewer.do?requestId=4567215
