Synthetic hair extensions causing irritant contact dermatitis in patients with a history of atopy: a report of 10 cases.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION\nWe present a case series of ten, atopic, African women who developed irritant contact dermatitis after the addition of synthetic hair extensions.\n\n\nMETHODS\nTen consecutive African female patients who presented with a pruritic cutaneous eruption on the neck over a period of 2\u2009years are described. Patients underwent skin patch testing using both standard and hair commercial patch test panels and samples of their own hair extensions. Hair care products were not tested.\n\n\nRESULTS\nAll ten patients used synthetic hair extensions. A strong history of atopy was documented for all ten patients and examination was significant for eczematous, lichenified plaques at the location of contact with the free end of the hair extension. Patch test results yielded no relevant reactivity and a diagnosis of irritant contact dermatitis was made for all patients. The lesions resolved completely on removal of the hair extensions and the use of topical steroids and emollients dependent on eczema severity.\n\n\nCONCLUSION\nArtificial hair extensions should be considered as a potential irritant, resulting in irritant contact dermatitis. Patients with a history of atopy are at risk of developing irritant contact dermatitis from synthetic hair extensions. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.