Does Hair-straightening treatment linked to kidney damage?

Hyderabad: In a recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, doctors have reported a distressing case involving a woman who suffered kidney damage following a hair-straightening treatment at a salon.

The identity of the woman has been kept confidential.

The Case: Recurrent kidney damage

According to the study, the 26-year-old woman underwent the popular hair treatment in June 2020, April 2021, and July 2022. Despite having no prior health concerns, she began experiencing adverse symptoms after each visit to the salon, including vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, and back pain.

Additionally, she reported a burning sensation on her scalp during the treatment and developed ulcers on her head.

Upon examination, doctors observed kidney malfunction indicated by elevated levels of creatinine in her blood and the presence of blood in her urine. Although a CT scan revealed no signs of infection or blockage in her kidneys, her symptoms persisted.

Suspected Cause: Glyoxylic acid in hair products

When the woman revealed to the doctors that her hair had been treated with a straightening cream containing glyoxylic acid, the doctors began to suspect that the chemical might be responsible for her scalp burning and ulceration.

Further investigation, including experiments on mice, led the doctors to theorise that the glyoxylic acid was absorbed through her skin and subsequently reached her kidneys, resulting in damage upon breakdown.

Rare disorder identified

The study identified the woman as suffering from recurrent episodes of acute kidney injury due to oxalate nephropathy, a rare disorder characterised by a decrease in kidney function caused by the accumulation of calcium oxalate crystals in kidney tubules.

The findings strongly suggest that glyoxylic acid used in hair-straightening procedures may be to blame.

Call for ban on glyoxylic acid in hair products

Several doctors from Hyderabad shared their insights on this concerning issue.

Dr Sujeet Reddy from the Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology, Hyderabad, emphasised the need for action, stating, “It would seem wise to ban the use of glyoxylic acid in these products and request that manufacturers find another, safer compound.”

Dr Anjali Reddy, a dermatologist, stated “The case highlights the potential dangers of chemical hair treatments and underscores the importance of using safe and tested products.”

Calling for stricter regulations on cosmetic products, Dr Rajesh Kumar, a nephrologist from KIMS Hospital, found it alarming to see the adverse effects of glyoxylic acid on kidney health. “Consumers must be cautious and informed about the risks associated with such treatments,” he warned.

“The absorption of glyoxylic acid through the skin poses significant health risks. Regulatory authorities should prioritise the safety of consumers by conducting thorough assessments of cosmetic ingredients,” Dr Sanjay Patel, a toxicologist at Apollo Healthcare, said.

He said that the case is a reminder of the interconnectedness of systemic health and cosmetic practices.

Prioritising consumer safety

Hair straightening, a technique dating to the 1890s, involves flattening and straightening hair to achieve a smooth and sleek appearance. Despite its long history, this case underscores the importance of ensuring the safety of products used in such treatments.

“Consumers are urged to exercise caution and seek advice from healthcare professionals before undergoing chemical hair procedures. Additionally, regulatory bodies must take proactive measures to eliminate harmful substances from cosmetic products and safeguard public health,” concluded Dr Sanjay Patel.