Diagnostics and Prevention of Occupational Allergy in Hairdressers

Abstract

Purpose of Review This study aims to provide an overview on current knowledge on occupational allergic diseases in hairdressers and up-to-date perspectives of prevention. Recent Findings Hand eczema (dermatitis) is common in hairdressers, often caused by contact allergy to one or multiple small molecules (haptens) used, e.g., for dyeing, bleaching, and waving/relaxing or by ancillary substances such as preservatives. Hairdressers, compared to other patch-tested patients, have an up to fivefold increased risk to be found sensitized, e.g., against p-phenylenediamine, ammonium persulfate, and glyceryl thioglycolate. Some of these small molecules may induce respiratory sensitization causing allergic rhinitis and/or asthma, notably persulfate salts. Summary Occupational hazards in hairdressing are well described. This knowledge needs to be put into use for risk reduction, mainly by substitution of allergenic ingredients by less allergenic ones, education, and use of ventilation and suitable single-use gloves.

Contact allergy to ingredients of hair cosmetics in female hairdressers and female consumers—An update based on IVDK data 2013–2020

“…New trends in hairdressing will further broaden the allergen spectrum hairdressers are exposed to. Continual updating of patch test series is crucial for optimum diagnostic work-up of both hairdressers (with a view on improved secondary prevention of occupational contact dermatitis) 40 and consumers (to identify the individual allergen[s] and enable their future avoidance). Regarding primary prevention of sensitization, product safety should be further enhanced, for example, by the use of less-sensitising alternative ingredients for known contact allergens.…”

Recent developments in occupational asthma

“…Hairdressing is another industry where sensitizerinduced OA is often encountered [21]. Macan et al [22 ] performed a systematic review on respiratory effects of persulfate salts or hair bleaches among hairdressers.…”

Contact Dermatitis Due to Hair Care Products: A Comprehensive Review

“…Recognizing the potential risks associated with these products is crucial, and appropriate precautions should be taken to prevent allergic reactions. The robust barrier offered by the thick epidermis, the lack of creases and folds, and the numerous pilosebaceous glands all contribute significantly to restricting the entry of allergens 1,11,12 .…”

“…Certainly, it stands out as one of the prevalent occupations encountered in contact dermatitis consultations. Exposure to the different allergens discussed throughout the manuscript is a potentially relevant cause in hairdressing professionals 78 . PPD, nickel, isothiazolinones, fragrances, and formaldehyde/formaldehyde releasers are the most common happens.…”