It can be frustrating when doing something to boost your spirits or appearance ends up making you feel worse, such as if you find a lump on your neck after dyeing your hair. Did your desire to change or freshen your color lead to swollen lymph nodes — especially because you have lupus?

Swollen lymph nodes are a common symptom of lupus. These enlarged organs can appear wherever lymph nodes are located in the body, such as on the neck, under the chin, in the armpits, or behind the ears. Usually, lymph nodes swell up with white blood cells when the body is fighting off an infection. But people with autoimmune diseases like lupus might experience this symptom of an overactive immune system despite not being sick.

One MyLupusTeam member asked if using hair dye could have been the start of her lingering swollen glands. “I dyed my hair for the first time about four months ago, and my scalp hasn’t been the same since,” they explained. “About two months after, the lymph nodes in my head and neck swelled, and some became very sore. My scalp still constantly itches, even while using a prescribed shampoo. The swelling has gone down a lot, but my lymph nodes are still swollen.”

Other members have discussed avoiding hair dye, either because their scalp is too sensitive or because they’re afraid the product might damage their hair. Here are some ways hair dye could affect your body’s immune response, along with suggestions for alternative hair-coloring options.

Potentially Problematic Ingredients in Hair Dye

Not everyone with lupus is sensitive to hair dye. One member shared, “I have been dyeing my hair since 2013, but I get it done professionally and have zero problems.”

If you have an itchy scalp after dyeing your hair, you might be allergic or sensitive to the ingredients in the product. The most common cause of hair dye allergy is the chemical P-phenylenediamine (PPD). An allergist can do a patch test to confirm if you’re allergic to PPD.

Lupus, also called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and discoid lupus (causes red, scaly, coin-shaped lesions), can make you more vulnerable to rashes on the scalp. Putting harsh chemicals on a sensitive area can leave you with itchy hives or lesions and other signs — including swollen lymph nodes — that your immune system is kicking into high gear.

Studies show that PPD may also get absorbed into the airways affecting the immune system and, specifically, the lymph node pathways. Researchers have noted swollen areas and lesions on the face and neck as a potential side effect of PPD exposure. Other chemicals in hair dye, including fragrances, could also cause a reaction. If you’re sensitive to the smell of hair dye, coloring your hair in a well-ventilated area may help.

Choosing Not To Dye Your Hair

Several oxidative chemicals in permanent hair dye have been suspected of producing toxic effects and potentially contributing to various health problems. The longer you leave on the dye and the more frequently you color your hair, the greater your exposure. It’s important to listen to what your body is telling you, even if the scientific data linking hair dye to swollen lymph nodes is lacking. If you’re not happy with your natural hair color, you may be able to find wigs, hair accessories, and other ways to feel good about how you look without compromising your health.

Many MyLupusTeam members go through challenges with their hair, including coloring issues and hair loss. However, problems might improve or resolve if your lupus enters remission or if you find a lupus treatment that reduces your symptoms. “After two years of very little hair and wearing wigs, my hair has started to grow back, and it’s wavy instead of straight!” shared one member. “My lupus is stable, and my blood tests are good.”

If dyeing your hair is causing you pain or triggering flare-ups, it might be worth taking a break.

Are Natural Hair Dyes Safer?

Avoiding your triggers is part of managing lupus, so if you believe hair dye triggered a flare-up, it makes sense to explore alternatives that work better for you.

In general, semipermanent hair dyes contain fewer harsh chemicals compared with permanent dyes. The ingredients in temporary hair color are nonoxidative — they don’t penetrate the hair shaft the same way permanent dyes do. Instead, temporary color sits on the outer layer of the hair, eventually washing out. The results from semipermanent dyes don’t last as long, but these products may be a safer option if you have an adverse reaction to permanent color.

“I do dye my hair, but my hairdresser switched to a more organic, softer type of dye. That’s helping, but I know at some point, I probably will have to stop dyeing my hair,” one MyLupusTeam member wrote. “My doctor does prefer I don’t dye it, but I don’t want to go gray.”

Plant-based hair dyes such as henna, black tea, and indigo powder may cause less irritation for some people. If you’re trying to avoid PPD, check labels to ensure that the natural hair dye you purchase doesn’t have PPD added. Also be aware natural dyes, too, can cause issues: Plant-based dyes contain tannins, which are natural compounds that can cause an allergic response in some people.

When To Seek Treatment

Normally, swollen lymph nodes go away on their own, but if you have lupus, you may need stronger treatments. Even after treatment to address an underlying infection or suppress the immune system, your lymph nodes may stay swollen for an extended time. Applying a warm compress or heating pad to your neck can help reduce pain and discomfort.

MyLupusTeam members have shared their experiences with swollen lymph nodes that don’t seem to get better. “Does anyone else deal with lymph node swelling?” asked one member. “My lymph nodes under my arms and groin area are so swollen and painful. The ones in my groin are the worst. It’s been going on for eight months.”

Another member responded, “I usually get them on the back of my neck. But yes, placing heat helps. And relaxing — stress makes it worse. Stress makes anything worse.”

It’s always important to inform your health care team about any new or worsening symptoms of lupus. They may recommend testing to look for another underlying cause or ramp up your lupus treatments with corticosteroids (steroids) or immunosuppressive drugs such as methotrexate to better control the disease. Sometimes, a blood test or lymph node biopsy can help rule out serious conditions like lymphoma or detect if further treatment is needed.

When Is a Reaction to Hair Dye an Emergency?

If you have a severe reaction to PPD in hair dye, symptoms will develop within minutes. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, include:

• Chest pain or tightness
• Swelling in the throat that may make it hard to swallow
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• A sense of dread or impending doom

If you notice these symptoms shortly after applying hair dye, get medical help immediately. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening.

Check In With Your Doctor

If you have questions about using hair dye, you can draw from your health care provider’s experience — ask if they’ve heard that dye or other triggers are a common issue among others who have lupus. Your doctor may be able to offer insights on products that might be worth a try or which ones you should avoid. By reaching out and sharing your real-life struggles with lupus, you may learn about solutions you wouldn’t have discovered on your own.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyLupusTeam is the social network for people with lupus and their loved ones. On MyLupusTeam, over 222,000 people with lupus come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories.

Have you experienced swollen lymph nodes or rashes after coloring your hair? If you can’t use permanent or synthetic hair dyes, have you found a good alternative? Post your thoughts in the comments below, or start a conversation by sharing on your Activities page.