A 26-year-old Indian woman experienced kidney damage following three hair-straightening treatments at a salon in India, revealing alarming health implications associated with certain cosmetic procedures.
After each treatment session, the woman suffered from symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and back pain. Additionally, she endured severe scalp burning during the procedures, resulting in the formation of ulcers on her head.
Having visited the salon for hair treatments in June 2020, April 2021, and July 2022, the woman’s health deteriorated progressively. Medical investigations revealed elevated creatinine levels in her blood, indicating kidney dysfunction. Despite no infections detected in her urine, a CT scan confirmed that her urinary system was unobstructed.
The hair-straightening product applied to the woman’s scalp contained glyoxylic acid, which is believed to have caused the scalp burning and subsequent kidney damage. Doctors attempted to publish her case in The New England Journal of Medicine to raise awareness.
Subsequent tests conducted on mice aimed to elucidate the relationship between glyoxylic acid exposure and kidney damage. Results indicated that the acid was absorbed through the skin and reached the kidneys, inducing damage. Mice exposed to the acid exhibited urine-containing crystals resembling those seen in individuals exposed to ethylene glycol, a hazardous chemical found in antifreeze.
Comparatively, mice treated with petroleum jelly exhibited lower levels of creatinine and calcium oxalate monohydrate in their kidneys. Notably, the woman’s kidney function improved rapidly after each salon visit, indicating a reversible effect.
This incident serves as a stark warning about the potential dangers of glyoxylic acid-containing hair products. Medical professionals advocate for discontinuing such products from the market to prevent similar health complications in the future.
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