Background
Oxidative hair dyes are an important source of chemical exposure and a major risk factor for the development of occupational and non‐occupational allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) worldwide.
Objective
To identify the frequency of common allergens associated with occupational and non‐occupational ACD to hair dyes during the last 10 years, in Greece.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with suspected ACD to hair dyes from 2010–2019. All patients with patch‐test‐confirmed ACD to hair dyes were evaluated.
Results
Out of 501 patients with suspected ACD to hair dyes, 362 had at least one positive reaction to hair dye allergens (62.4% were customers and 37.6% were hairdressers). The mean age of customers and hairdressers was 43.8 years and 30.8 years, respectively. Of the customers, 58.9% were exposed to dyes for >10 years and 61% of hairdressers for <5 years. The most common site of ACD among customers was the scalp (85%) and among hairdressers the hands (90%). p‐Phenylenediamine (PPD) was the most common contact allergen (52.2%), followed by toluene‐2,5‐diamine, p‐aminophenol, m‐aminophenol, and ammonium persulfate.
Conclusions
Sensitization prevalences for PPD and cross‐reacting allergens have increased in Greece during the last decade, regardless of occupational or non‐occupational exposure to hair dyes.