Allergic reaction to hair dye patch test

[Sparrow545]

My hairdresser put two samples of hair dye behind both of my ears 2 days ago to check for reactions, as I had a bad reaction to a hair dye patch test done before over 2 years ago (I'm so thankful that I did the patch test to begin with!!). So we were checking if this different type of dye would be any different.

But apparently not as I've suffered a pretty bad reaction to both! There is redness, burning sensation and swelling behind both of my ears and it is itchy. My lymph nodes are also raised.

My question is any recommendations of treatments and whether or not a trip to the doctors is necessary if it keeps on getting worse? How long it should take to heal? I have some hydrocortisone cream but it doesn't seem to be helping. It has been getting progressively worse over the 2 days and it seems to be worse than my last reaction.

Thanks for your help!

[JANABRATT]

Call your doctors office and explain what's going on.

[evewisewoman]

Hi Sparrow545,

I haven't ever heard of a patch test. I think it is rather odd that the hairdresser put two hair dye samples behind both of your ears.
Did the hairdresser apply the hair dye on the bare skin behind your
ears.  I'm fairly sure all hair dye contains peroxide which when applied
to bare skin causes irritation. I'm not surprised that there is redness,
burning and swelling if the peroxide was applied directly to the skin
behind your ears.  You say your lymph nodes are also raised and it's
getting steadily worse.  I would definitely suggest that you make an
appointment with your family doctor as soon as possible. I wouldn't
self medicate. I would definitely let your doctor look at both of your
ears. You need professional medical treating this and if I were you
change hairdressers.  Eve