Is hair colour taboo if you suffer from pigmentation?

Dear Maria, I am 62 years old - for last 8 years or more I noticed that each time I went out in the sun, I used to start itching and turn a funny color and in patches - face (in patches) and neck mostly have been pigmented.

I finally visited a dermatologist, who told me that my severe pigmentation was caused because of hair coloring and going out in the sun, and that I should stop coloring my hair immediately.

So as per his advice, its been over six months since I colored my hair - he had prescribed Seba-Med 50+ and some vitamins and some ointments. I am continuing with the sunscreen and vitamins, but have stopped his medicated ointments for the last two months - instead I started on Mela*edited* and have find some improvement.

Just wanted to know how much longer I could use Mela*edited* - is there any harm in using it for a longer period of time? and also whether I could go back to coloring my hair.

I used to have severe itching after coloring my hair. I must admit my hair has stopped falling a lot less since I stopped coloring. I have not resorted to using henna, as I do not like the orange tinge it leaves behind - it looks terrible with a dusky complexion.

Look forward to your advice at your earliest convenience. Do you happen to have an outlet in India?
All good wishes
Hyma

Answer:

Hi Hyma, I wonder if your dermatologist told you that you are allergic to hair coloring because it causes you severe itching. When skin itches, it can lead to skin discoloration and dark patches. There might be an ingredient in the specific hair dye you're using that you're allergic to. Try to see what common ingredient it has with the different hair dyes you've used to avoid further negative reactions.

However, it is best to significantly reduce coloring your hair as we age. The hair's health diminishes and if we apply harsh chemicals on it, it would severely cause hair loss and dry it out. That is what you've been experiencing.

So for your question - "Is hair colour taboo if you suffer from pigmentation?" - the answer is yes, for your particular situation.

About Mela*edited* (edited due to possible copyright violations), you can use it until your dark spots are gone but after you reach your desired results, you don't need to use it as much as before. Use it as needed only, and minimize sun exposure because our skin's defense to sun damage reduces as well with age. Wear sunscreen daily.

Hope that input helps. :)

Maria