A TEENAGE mum is taking legal action against hair-care giant L'Oreal after claiming one of its products left her in agony with chemical burns.

Crystal Atkinson, 19, said the pain caused by the Garnier Nutrisse chestnut brown dye was so severe that she "just wanted to die."

She claimed that her skin peeled off even though there was no reaction to the skin allergy test she carried out 48 hours before using the product.

L'Oréal spokesperson has now contacted her to offer support and medical assistance and a spokesman said: "Allergies to hair colorants are extremely rare but can occur for a very small number of people."

Miss Atkinson, of Atlas Road, Darwen, has now recruited a solicitor and is seeking compensation for the mental anguish and emotional distress it has caused.

She had the dye applied by mobile hairdresser Debbie Simpson, from Darwen.

Miss Atkinson, who is mum to six-month-old Jessica, said there was no reaction to the skin tests .

However several days later a rash appeared and her ears swelled and "trebled" in size.

She said that the reaction caused her skin to "peel off."

The former pupil at Rhyddings High School, Oswaldtwistle, said: "I have chemical burns on both sides of my face, between my neck and half my scalp, behind my ears and a rash all over my body.

"I haven't been able to go out or hold my baby because my skin is peeling off and there's puss leaking out of my face.

"The pain is unbearable and it looks disgusting.

"My Christmas and New Year has been totally ruined by this.

"This product needs banning from the shelves so nobody else has to go though what I have.

"I went to one hairdresser and she said that in her 40 year experience she's never seen anything like it."

She has sought medical attention and said she has been given a course of antibiotics after being diagnosed with chemical burns.

She is now seeking compensation for the mental anguish and emotional distress it has caused and has instructed a solicitor to act on her behalf.

Hairdresser Debbie Simpson, who has five years experience, said: "It's shaken me up.

"I certainly won't buy a box colour again . It's made me frightened of doing my job. I don't know how this could have happened."

Nick Molyneux, associate partner at Farleys Solicitors, based in Blackburn, confirmed he was representing Miss Atkinson.

He said: "After initial discussions, Farleys has been instructed to act on Miss Atkinson's behalf.

"We are currently in the process of formulating our client's case and are not making any further comment at this time, so as not to prejudice her position."

A L'Oréal spokesperson said: "Thank you for letting us know about Ms Atkinson's distressing experience.

"We have contacted her to offer our support and medical assistance.

"Allergies to hair colorants are extremely rare but can occur for a very small number of people.

"That's why it's vital that people using hair colorants are informed of the risks and know the importance of carrying out a skin allergy test 48 hours before using the colorant.

"We've recently launched an information website www.becoloursafe.com.

"This website offers a source of clear and simple advice about colouring hair and has practical video guides on completing the skin test correctly.

"It also provides a dedicated phone line and email address for consumers to ask further questions.

"L'Oréal is totally committed to ensuring that our products are safe and can be used with absolute confidence."