Occupational allergic rhinitis in the hair care industry: reactions to permanent wave solutions

Article Abstract:

People working in the hair care industry may be exposed to inhaled chemicals which can cause respiratory symptoms; some of these chemicals are allergens, others irritants. Cases of specific allergic rhinitis (runny nose caused by inflammation of the mucus membrane of the nose) occurring in two professional beauticians are presented. The first patient had a history of episodes of rhinitis and laryngitis occurring over a one-and-a-half year period. The woman also noted chest heaviness and difficulty breathing that began after four to eight hours of work exposure. The second patient had a two-year history of rhinitis, stuffy nose, cough, sputum production, periodic chest heaviness and congestion. In both cases, allergy skin tests were negative, and physical examinations were normal. Laboratory tests for these two patients revealed that exposure to permanent wave solutions caused symptoms, as well as significant nasal obstruction. One patient was treated prior to testing with cromolyn sodium that reduced, but did not eliminate, the allergic reaction. Similar laboratory tests were performed on four subjects without a history of allergic reaction to permanent wave solution. These subjects showed no change in nasal airway resistance, and exposure produced no symptoms. It is suggested that nasal obstruction to permanent wave solution is a specific reaction. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Research, Complications and side effects, Occupational diseases, Hair care preparations, Beauticians, Environmentally induced diseases, Environmental illness, Hair preparations, Respiratory allergy, Respiratory hypersensitivity, Permanent waving

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Allergic contact dermatitis from glutaraldehyde exposure

Article Abstract:

Concern with AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and the need for critical cleaning in hospitals and clinics has led to increased use of glutaraldehyde as a sterilizing agent. Its use has been increased because of its efficiency in killing bacteria and virus while remaining harmless to laboratory and clinical instruments and equipment. The current case report concerns a 56-year-old who cleaned and maintained respiratory therapy equipment with a commercial two percent glutaraldehyde solution. Over time she developed a recurrent problem of itchy patches (dermatitis) of her hands, arms, face and neck. The problem worsened during the work day but disappeared when she took several days off from her duties. She was treated successfully with local steroids and her work responsibilities were changed so that she no longer worked with glutaraldehyde. Glutaraldehyde is a very simple molecule and is found in many commercial, medical, and consumer products. Occupational exposure is frequent among medical and allied health workers, particularly those involved in cleaning operations. Glutaraldehyde is also used in the process of embalming, and mortuary workers are also at risk. Although complete elimination of the risk of glutaraldehyde-contact dermatitis is impossible, the use of protective apparel (gloves, etc) should be considered for prevention.

Prevention, Risk factors, AIDS (Disease), Contact dermatitis, Sterilization (Disinfection), Sterilization

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Occupational allergic rhinitis reaction to psyllium

Article Abstract:

Inflammation of the nasal mucosa (rhinitis) has been reported in a particular case of occupational exposure to the laxative Metamucil, which contains psyllium (a dried plant seed having laxative properties). A 45-year-old female nurse complained of sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, headache, fullness in the ears, cough and wheezing on the days she was exposed to Metamucil because she was distributing this product. Results of the patient's medical examination revealed that there was an association between nasal airway symptoms and signs of nasal obstruction following exposure to Metamucil. Only nasal obstruction was found to result from brief inhalational challenge to the laxative. The patient was found to have significant decrements in nasal function following challenge. Successful treatment for the symptoms was achieved with cromolyn (a substance that reduces muscle contractions) to help open the airway. Cromolyn was probably effective because it alters activation of mast cells and releases inflammatory mediators. In conclusion, nasal airway challenge testing suggests itself as a useful tool in the clinical assessment and documentation of how effective interventions directed at occupational rhinitis management are.

Physiological aspects, Psyllium, Cromolyn sodium, Laxatives

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