Face and Neck Pigmentary Alterations in Hair Dye Users: A Cross-sectional Study from South India.

BACKGROUND

Hair dyes are commonly used for the concealment of grey hair in India. The pigmentary alterations produced by hair dyes on the face and neck have not received sufficient attention.

AIMS: To study the pigmentary alterations on the face and neck in hair dye users, and identify possible risk factors associated with the face and neck hyperpigmentation.

METHODS

A hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study was done on consecutive hair dye users. A detailed history was taken, and a clinical examination was done to record the pigmentary alterations. The patterns, areas affected, the intensity of hyperpigmentation, percentage of the area involved and risk factors were noted.

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty patients were included in the study. Around 118 (98.3%) patients had hyperpigmentation over face and/or neck: 16 (13.3%) barely perceivable, 40 (33.3%) mild, 44 (36.7%) moderate, and 18 (15%) severe pigmentation. The lateral forehead (106, 88.3%), the helix of the ear (106, 88.3%), central forehead (97, 80.8%), and zygomatic area (92, 76.7%) were the most frequently affected areas in our study. Fourteen patients (11.7%) had depigmented macules on the scalp and/or lips.

CONCLUSION

Pigmentary alterations, particularly hyperpigmentation over the upper face and ears are common with the use of hair dyes. The skin type may play a role in the intensity of hyperpigmentation.