When Beauty Turns Toxic: Acute Contact Dermatitis and Kidney Injury Following Hair Straightening

    November 2025 in “ Contact Dermatitis ”
    M. Abu Taleb, Nesrine Ben Salah, Sirine Bchir, M. Hamouda, Nouha Ben Mahmoud, H. Raiss, Asma Ben Mabrouk, Samiha Mabrouk, Khadija Mansour, Habib Skhiri, Jameleddine Zili
    TLDR Hair straightening products with glyoxylic acid can cause skin irritation and kidney damage.
    This article presents a case of a 25-year-old woman who developed acute toxic contact dermatitis and acute kidney injury after using a hair straightening product containing glyoxylic acid (GA). The patient experienced scalp irritation and renal symptoms shortly after application, with renal biopsy revealing calcium oxalate deposits and acute tubular necrosis. The study suggests that GA, absorbed through the skin, is metabolized into oxalate, leading to kidney damage. Recovery followed cessation of exposure and supportive hydration. The case highlights the potential health risks of GA in hair treatments and calls for increased regulation and awareness.
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