A 44-year-old man in Ratchaburi warns others to test hair dye products before use after experiencing a severe allergic reaction from an online purchase. His scalp became irritated, his face swelled significantly, and fluid leaked from the dyed areas.
The Allergic Reaction
Phichit, owner of a popular fish porridge shop in Ratchaburi Municipality, shared details of the incident. He applied the hair dye on May 9 to the front hair roots and sideburns, washing it off after five minutes. The product was advertised online as made from natural extracts and sold at a low price.
The next morning, Phichit noticed facial tightness and fluid near his forehead. Upon checking a mirror, he saw redness and leaking fluid from the dyed hair roots. Symptoms worsened despite self-treatment with over-the-counter medicine and baby shampoo.
Medical and Regulatory Response
His face soon swelled, leading him to consult a doctor. The physician could not issue a note specifying the cause due to uncertainty about the triggering substance. The product packaging lacked Thai language instructions, preventing identification of ingredients.
Public health officials inspected the hair dye and determined it was unregistered and lacked Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. Phichit filed a police report at Mueang Ratchaburi Police Station and contacted the seller.
Seller’s Response and Warnings
The seller initially dismissed the issue as a typical allergy and suggested buying medicine. Communication ceased after Phichit sent photos of the severe condition, including his head wrapped in bandages with ongoing fluid seepage.
Phichit urges consumers to scrutinize product details, reviews, and claims of being ‘natural,’ especially for unfamiliar items. He notes his inexperience with hair dyes and considers himself fortunate the product avoided his eyes—drops on his leg caused burn-like marks.
