Can hair dye burns heal on their own?

Dec 03, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My scalp was burned when I used hair dye. Can this kind of injury heal on its own?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Wenmin

Hair dye burns usually do not heal on their own and require appropriate treatment measures. If the burn is mild, immediately stop using the hair dye and rinse thoroughly with large amounts of water to remove residual chemicals and reduce further damage. Afterwards, keep the burned area clean and dry to prevent infection. You may apply over-the-counter hydrocortisone-containing ointments to help relieve inflammation and itching. Avoid sun exposure to prevent worsening skin irritation.

If the burn is moderate to severe, or accompanied by allergic reactions, spontaneous healing is less likely. In these cases, symptoms such as redness, swelling, pain, itching, blisters, or ulcers may develop, indicating significant damage to the skin barrier, which requires professional medical intervention. Doctors may prescribe appropriate medications, such as antibiotics or antihistamines, depending on the severity of the burn, to control infection and alleviate symptoms. Patients should not attempt to treat severe burns on their own, as this may lead to more serious injuries.