Occupational skin disease in hairdressers: Results of patch test

Abstract

Background: Hairdressers are individuals at high risk of occupational skin disease, especially occupational allergic contact dermatitis (OACD), because of continuous exposure to water, detergents, hair dyes and bleaches, permanent wave solutions and metal equipment. Objective: We evaluated the frequency of OACD among hairdressers and the sources of sensitization through patch test and questionnaires. Methods: We analyzed the occupational characteristics (age, gender, duration of work), site of dermatitis, suspicious sensitizers, and use of preventive measures in a group of 96 hairdressers who answered a questionnaire. Among them, 61 hairdressers who were suspected of having occupational allergic contact dermatitis were patch-tested with the Korean standard series and hairdressing series. Results: Among 96 hairdressers, 74 hairdressers (78%) responded with their experiences of work-related skin problems. The results of patch test revealed an occupationally-relevant sensitization in 82% of the 61 hairdressers. Mean frequencies of sensitization ranked as follows: nickel sulfate (37.7%), cobalt chloride (34.4%), paraphenylenediamine base (21.3%), thimerosal (11.5%), potassium dichromate (9.8%), mercury ammonium chloride (8.2%), Balsam Peru (6.6%), glyceryl monothioglycolate (4.9%), and fragrance mix (4.9%). We also classified these allergens as hairdressing agents, and hair dye showed the highest frequency of positive reactions (30%). Conclusion: From this study, we were able to unravel the important sensitizers related to the hairdressing profession. To improve the safety of their job and to the prevent occupational allergic contact dermatitis, hairdressers should be aware of these common sensitizers, and try to improve protective measures and their applications.