had followed the manufacturer’s instructions to perform
sensitivity testing prior to applying the hair dye.
Only 54 (67.5%) patients comprising 33 (61%) males and
21 (39%) females aged between of 19 and 74 years showed
positive results to patch testing with PPD. Other 3 patients
showed irritant reactions that subsided on day 3 post
application. Eight of these patients also showed positive
patch test reaction to other allergens; fragrance mix in 5,
thiuram mix in 3, and paraben mix and colophony in 1 patient
each. Thirty (55.5%) patients belonged to urban populations
and 24 (44.5%) patients were from rural background. The
common clinical patterns noted were: (a) Dermatitis localized
to the scalp, face, neck or hands, (b) airborne dermatitis, (c)
chronic actinic dermatitis (actinic reticuloid), (d) generalized
diffuse dermatitis, and (e) erythema multiforme‑like
dermatitis [Figures 1 to 5].