A recent case study published in The New England Journal of Medicine has shed light on the potential dangers of certain chemicals used in hair treatments. The study details the alarming case of a 26-year-old woman who experienced kidney damage following multiple hair-straightening sessions at a salon.
According to the report, the woman underwent hair straightening treatments in June 2020, April 2021, and July 2022. After each session, she experienced symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and back pain. Doctors discovered elevated levels of creatinine in her blood and blood in her urine, indicating kidney malfunction. Despite a CT scan, no signs of infection or blockage in her kidneys were found.
The woman revealed that the hair-straightening cream used on her contained glyoxylic acid, which likely caused her scalp to burn and ulcerate. It is believed that the chemical was absorbed through her skin, leading to kidney damage. The woman’s identity has been kept confidential, and further investigation is ongoing.
This case serves as a cautionary tale about the potential hazards of the chemicals used in hair treatments. It highlights the importance of being aware of the ingredients in products being used and the need for stricter regulations in the beauty industry. Customers should always ask about the products being used on them and do their own research to ensure their safety during salon visits.
