On average, there are about 148 chemicals in the human body—including pesticides, phthalates, dioxins, flame retardants, Teflon, and toxic metals (Oliver & Zanolli, 2019). These toxic chemicals and others interfere with the immune system’s ability to function properly. Hygiene may also be a factor due to the use of vaccines and antiseptics. Also, children aren’t exposed to as many germs as children in the past. The lack of exposure makes the immune system prone to overreact to harmless substances. Another factor is cigarette smoking. Smoking has noninfectious agents that may cause rheumatoid arthritis. Smoking increases the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduces the levels of anti-inflammatory
cytokines. A cytokine is any of several substances that are secreted by certain cells of the immune system and affect other cells. The free radicals in cigarette smoke can cause cellular destruction and may case DNA damage that results in genetic mutation. Silica is another toxin that can be a factor in autoimmune disease. Silica has been linked to scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Silica acts as an immune stimulant, increasing pro-inflammatory cytokine production as well as inducing apoptosis and necrosis. Silica has also been shown to produce immune complex formation in animal models.
COSMETOLOGY TRIGGERS AND AUTOIMMUNE DISORDERS
Hair dye and autoimmune disorders Hair dyes have been implicated in the development of several autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE; Smyk et al., 2012). Hair dyes contain aromatic amines that have been found to induce SLE symptoms. Aromatic amines are aromatic hydrocarbons with amino substitutes that usually appear during the thermal treatment of foods with high protein content and are found in hair dye.
Case studies have shown a positive association between the use of hair dyes and connective tissue disorders (Smyk et al., 2012). Studies have also shown a relationship to exposure to p-phenylenediamine, which is in many hair dyes. Women who dye their hair for 20 years or more have almost double the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (Young, 2001). It is suspected that chemicals in hair dye can damage the immune system, triggering rheumatoid arthritis.
HAIRSTYLISTS AND RISK OF AUTOIMMUNE DISORDERS
Long-term exposure to chemicals in hair and nail salons puts workers at a higher risk for developing autoimmune disorders (Deschamps, 2018). There is limited data on
immune disease and salon workers. Studies have found increased risks in salons where nail polish is used and applied frequently (Women’s Voices for the Earth).
Occupational and chemical exposure in salons and autoimmune disease A study in Canada found that nail salon workers who
main ingredients in nail polish, and as previously mentioned is an environmental trigger for autoimmune diseases. Constant exposure to nail polish is an occupational factor in developing autoimmune diseases.
applied nail polish regularly had 10 times the risk of being diagnosed with lupus than people in other occupations (Women’s Voices for the Earth, n.d.). Silica is one of the Formaldehyde and autoimmune disease Formaldehyde has been connected to a heightened risk of these diseases. Formaldehyde is used in many salon Recognition and education It is important to be educated about and recognize the symptoms of autoimmune disorders. Proper education can make the client feel more at ease in the salon and in the chair. For example, if a client comes in with psoriasis, they will have flakes on their scalp. Don’t assume that the client is dirty or doesn’t wash their hair properly. The client is probably nervous and embarrassed, and they may be anxious about their visit. The client will probably explain that they have psoriasis, which will benefit the stylist and the client. The client can educate the stylist on information regarding psoriasis, while the stylist can educate the client on their knowledge of the scalp and hair. Education on signs of autoimmune disease for stylists It is important to know a few signs of autoimmune disorders since stylists get very close to their clients during services. This may help the stylist communicate their concerns to the client. A nail technician would want to know about Raynaud’s phenomenon, which causes decreased blood flow to the fingers. Raynaud’s can occur on its own, which is known
products, predominantly in nail polish and Brazilian hair treatments.
For example, when working with a client who has psoriasis, knowing the proper techniques is key. The stylist may want to recommend that the client use a medicated shampoo before their appointment to reduce flakes and plaque on the scalp. This will make the flakes less severe during their service and lessen the client’s anxiety. In addition, their scalp may be more sensitive than a healthy scalp. So, remember to be cautious when using heat or the dryer. Also be sure to use lukewarm water and be aware of chemicals on the scalp to not hurt the client. Be aware of overbrushing the hair and use a brush with gentle bristles to reduce any irritation to the scalp. Some clients may want to bring their own hair products to use. All these tips can help the client and stylist feel more comfortable. as the primary form, or it may happen along with other diseases, which is known as secondary form. The diseases most often linked with Raynaud’s are autoimmune or connective tissue diseases such as lupus, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren’s syndrome. Common symptoms are fingers that turn pale or white then blue when exposed to cold, then red when the hands are warmed.
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