Pauley Perrette Hospitalized, 'NCIS' Star in ER After Severe Reaction to Hair Dye
Pauley Perrette was hospitalized Friday for a severe reaction to black hair dye, which she has been using for the past 20 years. The "NCIS" actress, who plays gothic forensic scientist Abby Sciuto on the hit CBS show, is known for her jet black locks, but she has resolved to find another way to do so after her hospitalization.
Pauley Perette's hospitalization came because she had been having increased reactions to her hair dye but ignored them. The 45-year-old actress is naturally blonde and said the dye caused swelling in her face and head.
"Did my head look a bit puffy on the red carpet last night? Turns out I was having a dangerous allergic reaction to hair dye," she tweeted Friday. "This was me at the hospital today and it got worse."
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Perrette posted a picture of her in a hospital gown with her face and eyes swollen from her reaction to the hair dye.
"It's an acquired allergy for people that dye their hair for years," Perrette continued. "Was in ER. Just got home from hospital. Awful. My head swelled up huge like a melon."
The actress warned her over 500,000 followers that hair dye allergies can be fatal if ignored. They usually begin by itching, flaking, redness and eczema on the scalp and head, and it can progress to swelling. It is usually treated with topical steroid creams, steroid pills or injections.
Perrette said she will consider switching to natural hair dye or wearing a wig from now on.
Some of the members of the popular "NCIS" team will be joining "NCIS: New Orleans" to help start off the show. Scott Bakula, Lucas Black, CCH Pounder and Rob Kerkovich will star in the show, while Mark Harmon, Anthony DiNozzo and Perrette will have several crossover episodes with the cast.
"I'm there to help," Harmon, who plays Agent Gibbs, said at the annual summer TV critics' meeting. "I've learned a few things in 12 years and I'd be glad to pass a few along or not."
