Hair glue anaphylaxis: a hidden latex allergy.
BACKGROUND
Increasingly popular cosmetic hair alterations use latex-containing bonding glue to attach hair to the scalp. Immunoglobulin E-mediated reactions to natural rubber latex may occur from unappreciated sources.


OBJECTIVE
Evaluation of a case of bonding glue anaphylaxis with immunochemical characterization of the glue.


RESULTS
A 37-year-old woman developed systemic anaphylaxis upon repeated exposure to hair bonding glue. Skin tests to the glue and latex RAST tests were positive. Her sera reacted to latex antigens including four recombinant Hev b allergens. Assays of the glue revealed antigen patterns resembling ammoniated latex. Antigen levels exceed those reported in other natural rubber latex-dipped products.


CONCLUSIONS
Hair bonding glue contains high concentrations of soluble latex antigen and may cause anaphylaxis without mucosal contact. Repeated glue exposure may potentially sensitize consumers. Physicians, cosmetologists, and latex-allergic patients should be aware of bonding glue-induced immunoglobulin E-mediated reactions associated with hair alterations.
Cogen
Frederick C
FC
Laboratory of Immunobiology, Guthrie Research Institute, Sayre, Pennsylvania, USA. AllergyandAsthmaCare@HotMail.com
Beezhold
Donald H
DH
D000269:Adhesives / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000328:Adult; D000707:Anaphylaxis / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006197:Hair; D006801:Humans; D020315:Latex Hypersensitivity / Q000150:complications*
D000269:Adhesives