CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION REVIEW Occupational skin disease in hairdressers

Abstract

Hairdressers belong to an occupational group that is commonly affected by occupational skin disease, specifically contact dermatitis, which may be allergic or irritant and, less commonly, contact urticaria. Occupational contact dermatitis predominantly affects apprentices, and atopy is a recognized risk factor associated with a poor prognosis. Repetitive wet work leading to irritant contact dermatitis, followed by exposure to allergens and the development of allergic contact dermatitis, are the main factors contributing to occupational contact dermatitis. Once developed, it is often difficult to manage and is a cause of significant morbidity. Early education, training and prevention is the best approach to the management of this disorder that is endemic among hairdressers.

Reported Occupational Hazards and Illnesses among Hairdressers in Ibadan, SouthWest Nigeria

“…12 Contact dermatitis among hairdressers has multiple aetiological agents which include hair dyes, 3,12,13 gloves, 12,14 perming chemicals 12,13 and wet work. 4 The lower prevalence of hand dermatitis in this study may be due to the narrower range of hair chemicals available in Nigeria. Nail problems were prevalent in this study as in the Benin study.…”

“…1 Occupational exposures to chemicals in the salon from hair sprays, dyes, hair relaxing creams and shampoos are well recognized. [2][3][4] Various health problems can occur as a result of these exposures. Studies from developed countries have focused on hand dermatitis 5,6 and respiratory disorders.…”

Health Assessment of Self‐employed Hairdressers in France

“…Occupational skin diseases have significant implications both for individual (functionally, financially and psychosocially) and for the community at large 12) . Hairdressers are widely acknowledged as being at risk of dermatitis as a result of occupational exposure to a variety of chemicals.…”

“…For instance, one study found that none of the hairdresser's salons surveyed in central and suburban areas of a large city had a ventilation system 12) . Improvements therefore need to be made to ventilation systems in hairdresser's salons, and health and safety measures aimed at lessening exposure need to be implemented.…”

“…They have a high incidence of both allergic and irritant occupational hand eczema, owing to excessive wet work and exposure to numerous substances 10,11) . They are also affected, albeit less commonly, by contact urticaria, infection, oil folliculitis, phototoxicity acne, leukoderma and malignancies 12) . Inflamed and damaged skin is at greater risk of sensitization.…”