Spontaneous subcutaneous emphysema of the scalp following hair coloring/treatment

Abstract

Subcutaneous emphysema of the scalp is a process often attributed to secondary factors such as trauma, infection, or a myriad of iatrogenic etiologies. Here, we are presenting a case report of an adult patient with spontaneous subcutaneous emphysema of the scalp following a hair coloring/treatment. We performed an extensive review of literature on this topic, however, could not find a single case with similar presentation of subcutaneous emphysema. This case demonstrates an unreported etiology for this diagnosis and is thus being reported for its uniqueness and to raise clinical awareness.

Surgical Emphysema without Pneumothorax: A Diagnostic Dilemma

“…One such case report states that the use of hair coloring agent acted as reaction agent leading to formation of subcutaneous emphysema of the scalp, which later on resolved spontaneously [6].…”