Ingestion of Caustic Hair Relaxer: Is Endoscopy Necessary?

Cox, Artemus J.; Eisenbeis, John F.

doi:10.1097/00005537-199707000-00012

Cited by 24 publications

(22 citation statements)

References 19 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…On the other hand, endoscopy is not recommended in asymptomatic children, especially in developed countries where the likelihood of severe esophageal burns is low. 9,15,21,26 In our study, the use of the criteria for endoscopy proposed by previous authors 19,21 resulted in the reduction of the patients who underwent endoscopy, whereas no case with severe tissue injury (grade II and III esophageal burns and gastric damage) was missed. All children who did not meet the criteria for endoscopy and were not subjected to this procedure had an uncomplicated clinical course.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 54%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Conservative management of caustic substance ingestion in a pediatric department setting, short-term and long-term outcome

Karagiozoglou–Lampoudi

Agakidis

Chryssostomidou

et al. 2011

Diseases of the Esophagus

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Patients with caustic substance ingestion are usually referred to surgery departments where endoscopic evaluation is the first step towards appropriate treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of conservative management of caustic substance ingestion in a pediatric department setting following a standard protocol including endoscopy in selected cases and conservative treatment based on clinical and endoscopy criteria. In this single center observational study, all children admitted for caustic substance ingestion to a pediatric department over an 8-year-period were managed according to a standard protocol that included endoscopy within 24 hours, if the endoscopy criteria were met, and conservative treatment as judged appropriate according to endoscopic classification. Patients were followed up for 8-10 years. Of the 24 patients (age 4/12 to 6 years) admitted, 14 met the endoscopy criteria. Grade II and III esophageal burns were found in 10/14 patients, and they were treated with H2-blockers, antibiotics, corticosteroids, and nutritional support (parenteral in 8/10). Patients with grade II or III esophageal burns necessitated prolonged hospitalization (x ± standard deviation, 23 ± 3 days; range, 21-30 days). Complications included esophageal strictures (n = 1), treated successfully with dilatations, and bleeding (n = 1) treated conservatively. During the 8- to 10-year follow-up all patients were recorded being well. Based on the study findings it is concluded that conservative management of children with caustic substance ingestion using a standard protocol, including endoscopy as indicated, is feasible within the pediatric department, and conservative treatment on demand is safe and effective in preventing short-term and long-term complications.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 54%

“…Most authors agree that endoscopy is warranted in all symptomatic children, in order to assess the severity of esophageal and gastric injuries. On the other hand, endoscopy is not recommended in asymptomatic children, especially in developed countries where the likelihood of severe esophageal burns is low 9,15,21,26 …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Conservative management of caustic substance ingestion in a pediatric department setting, short-term and long-term outcome

Karagiozoglou–Lampoudi

Agakidis

Chryssostomidou

et al. 2011

Diseases of the Esophagus

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…33 When compared with untreated hair, Syed et al 36 found the tensile strength of chemically treated hair to be lower, with an associated increase in porosity, indicating damage. Khumalo et al 39 also found the cysteine levels of chemically relaxed afro-textured hair to be lower than that of natural hair. In particular, the cysteine content of distal chemically relaxed hair was similar to those found in patients with Trichothiodystrophy (TTD), a genodermatoses characterized by the presence of brittle fragile hair.…”

Section: Chemical Relaxersmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…found the tensile strength of chemically treated hair to be lower, with an associated increase in porosity, indicating damage. Khumalo et al . also found the cysteine levels of chemically relaxed afro‐textured hair to be lower than that of natural hair.…”

Section: Chemical Straightening Of Afro‐textured Hair; Clinical Aspectsmentioning

confidence: 98%

“…‘At‐home’ hair relaxers are offending agents in paediatric cases of caustic ingestion . Although there is little evidence suggesting consequential oesophageal injuries, oral cavity and facial burns may occur . Corneal alkali burns have also been reported whilst rinsing chemical relaxers …”

Section: Chemical Straightening Of Afro‐textured Hair; Clinical Aspectsmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Clinical and anthropological perspectives on chemical relaxing of afro‐textured hair

Aryiku

Salam

Dadzie

et al. 2015

Acad Dermatol Venereol

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The culturally engrained practice of 'relaxing' afro-textured hair has been linked with hair and scalp disorders. Herein, we discuss the evolution of human hair types, focusing in particular on afro-textured hair. We explore the biological features of this hair type, and discuss the different methods employed to straighten afro-textured hair, focusing in particular on chemical straightening. We also examine clinical, anthropological, and psychological issues associated with this latter practice. Examples of common scalp pathologies associated with chronic hair relaxing, such as alopecia, hair breakage, caustic burns and irritant contact dermatitis, are also highlighted. The data presented herein should enable clinicians to engage in culturally appropriate discussions with their patients about issues of appearance and conformity.

show abstract

Absence of Esophageal Injury in Pediatric Patients After Hair Relaxer Ingestion

Ahsan¹,

Haupert²

1999

Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

In our experience, hair relaxer ingestion makes up a significant proportion of all children admitted to the hospital for caustic ingestion. No significant esophageal injury was associated with hair relaxer ingestion, suggesting that endoscopy may not be necessary in these patients. Alternative management is suggested. We believe that patients who ingest hair relaxer should be admitted to the hospital for observation if parents are thought to be unreliable, and should undergo endoscopy if they cannot tolerate oral intake. Asymptomatic patients may be cared for as outpatients if they demonstrate adequate oral intake.

show abstract

Ingestion of Caustic Hair Relaxer: Is Endoscopy Necessary?

Cited by 24 publications

References 19 publications

Conservative management of caustic substance ingestion in a pediatric department setting, short-term and long-term outcome

Conservative management of caustic substance ingestion in a pediatric department setting, short-term and long-term outcome

Clinical and anthropological perspectives on chemical relaxing of afro‐textured hair

Absence of Esophageal Injury in Pediatric Patients After Hair Relaxer Ingestion

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About