Cosmetic contact sensitivity among beauticians and hairdressers: a clinicoepidemiological study

Background The increased use of cosmetics has lead to an increased prevalence of allergic contact dermatitis to cosmetics, with an estimated 1–5.4% of the general population suffering from allergic sensitivity to one or more cosmetic components. As beauticians and hairdressers have recurrent exposure to several cosmetics as a part of their occupation, the incidence of cosmetic dermatitis among this group is bound to be high. Objectives The aim of this study was to study the patterns of cosmetic dermatitis among beauticians and hairdressers and to identify the most common allergens and cosmetic products causing dermatitis using patch testing. Patients and methods Thirty consecutive patients (beauticians and hairdressers) (M : F=11 : 19) with suspected cosmetic dermatitis were examined, detailed history regarding the use of different cosmetics was taken, and the pattern of dermatitis was noted. All of them were subjected to patch testing using the Indian Cosmetic Series and eight antigens of the Indian Standard Series. Results The study included 11 (36.67%) men aged between 23 and 54 years and 19 (63.33%) women aged between 28 and 49 years. The majority of the patients were in the 21–40 (86.67%; n =26) years age group. The most common sites of cosmetic dermatitis observed were hands in 18, face and neck in nine, and disseminated dermatitis in three patients. The most frequently used cosmetics were hair dyes (76.66%), soaps (76.66%), face creams (70%), shampoos (63.33%), perfumes (53.33%), and shaving creams (30%). Patch test positivity was seen in 22 (73.33%) patients, and the most common allergens were paraphenylenediamine in 13 (43.33%), fragrance mix in six (20%), thiomersal in four (13.33%), and cetrimide in two (6.66%) patients. Conclusion The incidence of cosmetic dermatitis is high among beauticians and hairdressers, with hands and face being the most commonly affected sites. Hair dyes and creams are the most commonly implicated agents, whereas paraphenylenediamine, fragrance mix, thiomersal, and cetrimide are the most common causative allergens.