Intended for healthcare professionals

The perils of contact dermatitis for hairdressers

John SC English
It is well recognised that contact dermatitis is extremely common among hairdressers. This is because their exposure to a variety of potentially irritant hair-care products such as shampoos, perming solutions, colourants and bleaches is so great. They are also exposed to several potential allergens. Dermatitis predominantly affects apprentices, and atopy is a recognised risk factor, associated with a poor prognosis. Hairdressing tends to be an industry composed of small businesses where there is very little opportunity for occupational health advice and there is a substantial turnover of junior staff in hairdressing salons. However, colleges that run hairdressing courses are becoming more aware of the health hazards involved in hairdressing.
Dermatology in practice 2004; 12(3): 12–13
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