A Medico-Legal Study of Hair dye Poisoning

Hair dye is one of the beauty preparations from ancient times. Hair dyes contain many chemical compounds like Anilene derivatives including Para-Phenylene Diamine (PPD) and Resorcinol. Among these compounds, PPD is most dangerous as it causes immediate anaphylaxis. As hair dyes are cheaply and easily available in market, people are more accessible to those products. A total number of 25 hair dye poisoning deaths were analysed during the study period. This study was shown that there is a steady rise in incidence of fatalities from hair dye poisoning. Liquid hair dyes like Supervasmol are the most commonly used for poisoning. Majority of the postmortem findings are non specific and histopathological changes are responsible for various morphological features. Chemical analysis revealed the presence of PPD Compound invariably in stomach contents. Use of Anilene derivatives in hair dye preparations should be restricted and readymade hair dye preparations should not be encouraged to produce and purchase. Emotional support decrease suicidal tendency in sensitive peoples. Hair dyes should be kept in non accessible areas to prevent accidental poisoning in children.