Fatal anaphylactic reaction to hair dye.

We present the first reported case of fatal anaphylaxis resulting from the application of hair dye. A 68-year-old woman had a history of anaphylactic reaction to hair dye 2 years before her death. After using a different hair dye preparation, the patient experienced shortness of breath, collapsed, and died. Autopsy findings were consistent with anaphylaxis. Pathogenic mechanisms are reviewed.