Registry: Data on adverse cosmetics

OSLO, Norway, May 31 (UPI) -- A Norwegian registry of adverse effects from cosmetic products indicates permanent hair dye is No. 1 for serious problems, health officials say.

The Norwegian Institute of Public Health says the registry collects data from people who have an adverse reaction to a cosmetic product -- make-up, perfume, but also products applied to the teeth and oral mucous membranes to prevent body odor, to clean, perfume, protect, preserve or affect the appearance.

People who develop allergies to hair dye often have symptoms such as eczema, redness, blistering, and itching of the scalp, face and throat, the registry says. They also experience severe swelling on the forehead and around the eyes. And while symptoms usually appear one to two days after hair coloring, they may persist for about a week to several months, officials at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health say.

"The registry gives us a better overview of the products that cause adverse effects, the type of adverse effect and who experiences them," the institute's Berit Granum says in a statement.

"Then we can make an assessment and even warn against the use of certain products."

During the first two years of the registry, the majority of the adverse reactions were related to moisturizers, cleansers, sunscreens and hair coloring products, Granum says.