Could I be allergic to relaxers?

[Sha76]

Ok the last couple of time I got a relaxer I have broken out with this horrible rash. And since I rinse bent over in the shower, that rash was not localized to my scalp but on the places that got wet while rinsing it out.

I have not changed relaxers in the last year and half that I have been relaxing but I did notice the rash this time. It itched like was bitten by fire ants.

I am kind starting to wonder if I have developed an allergy to relaxers.

 

[blackberry815]

How long did u let the relaxer process? What relaxer did u use? What was the strength of it...
And how long do u wait between relaxers?

Sent from my ADR6400L using ADR6400L

 

[Sha76]

It was Silk Elements. It only processed for 15 min and it was regular strength. and the first one I had trouble with I waited 24 weeks ( which was Shea butter version) and the second that I was still having trouble with was 8 weeks ( the olive oil version).

Both gave me problems

 

[pringe]

it's possible that you are allergic to relaxers. My mom has had allergic reactions to 2 different kinds and they were both brands does she has used before . Just be careful. I remember one time my mom having such a severe reaction that her eyes watered and her face started to swell.

 

[ms-gg]

Sounds more like a chemical burn to me:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/232498-chemical-burns-rashes/

 

[melissa-bee]

It's possible. My cousin got allergic to milk all of a sudden.

 

[ms-gg]

I think the term is called "contact dermatitis":

A rash is an area of irritated or swollen skin. It might be red and itchy, bumpy, scaly, crusty or blistered. Rashes are a symptom of many different medical conditions. Things that can cause a rash include other diseases, irritating substances, allergies and your genetic makeup.
Contact dermatitis is a common cause of rashes. It causes redness, itching and burning where you have touched an irritant, such as a chemical, or something you are allergic to, like poison ivy.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/rashes.html

 

[Sha76]

Thanks guys!

I dont really know what amy options are at this point. I guess I can grow it out and be natural again. IDK.

But after this last time I am not sure it is worth the pain and itching to have straight hair. I mean I was starting to look and feel like I was attacted by fire ants

 

[faithVA]

Thanks guys!

I dont really know what amy options are at this point. I guess I can grow it out and be natural again. IDK.

But after this last time I am not sure it is worth the pain and itching to have straight hair. I mean I was starting to look and feel like I was attacted by fire ants

It's not the best solution but you can always try the patch test before you try a new relaxer. I do think they mention that on the instruction sheet somewhere. That way you can test the relaxer on a small patch before applying it. Just get a topical solution at the drug store before you go to apply to the area if you do have problems to reduce the itching, etc.

You may not be allergic to all of them. Maybe just something in that one.

 

[BraunSugar]

Thanks guys!

I dont really know what amy options are at this point. I guess I can grow it out and be natural again. IDK.

But after this last time I am not sure it is worth the pain and itching to have straight hair. I mean I was starting to look and feel like I was attacted by fire ants

Maybe you can switch to using heat if relaxers aren't working out for you & you like a straight look.

 

[Sha76]

You know, the funny thing is, I am very indifferent to wearing my hair straight or natural.

As long as I can pull it back is the main thing I care about really and it us healthy. I care more about my scalp health than my hair texture.

 

[Sha76]

I talked to some family members regarding my problem with relaxers. and it turns out that I am not the only one in the family. Apparently, other members of the family who have had the same issue and continued usage ended up major facial swelling each application.

So I think it would definitely be safest to say that I will go ahead and transition to natural.