Occupational Contact Dermatitis: Hairdressers

Abstract

Occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) is common in hairdressers due to a great amount of wet work and substantial exposure to multiple irritants and allergens included in hairdressing products, such as shampoos, hair dyes, permanent wave, and bleaching agents. This results in a high prevalence of irritant and allergic contact dermatitis in hairdressers, mainly affecting the hands. Moreover, some hairdressers suffer from occupational contact urticaria or other immediate-type hypersensitivity reaction such as rhinitis or asthma. OCD is often acquired already during apprenticeship and forces a high number of hairdressers to leave the occupation. Lack of awareness and knowledge regarding skin hazards at the workplace are common reasons for OCD in hairdressers. This can be overcome by health education and training aiming at improving protective behavior. Several preventivemeasures on the level of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention have been developed and proven successful. However, complete elimination or avoidance of harmful skin hazards remains difficult in the hairdressing trade. Hence, further preventive efforts are required to reduce the burden of the disease.