Acute kidney injury following the use of chemical hair straightener: a case report

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is defined by an increase in the serum creatinine according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes criteria. Known causes of AKI include nephrotoxic medications, dehydration, and obstructive uropathy, among others. Chemical hair products are commonly used to enhance hair appearance and health but often contain formaldehyde and its derivatives, which may pose significant health risks. Exposure to formaldehyde can occur through scalp absorption or heat-induced transformation. In this article, we describe a noteworthy case in which a widely used hair-straightening product, typically perceived as safe for everyday use, was associated with the development of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI). A previously healthy 39-year-old woman presented with vomiting, diarrhea, and back pain after using chemical hair products. She was diagnosed with Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), as she had an elevated creatinine level of 624 micromoles/L and urinalysis showing pyuria. Kidney biopsy indicated interstitial eosinophilic infiltration and acute tubular injury with oxalate crystals. After receiving steroids, her kidney function improved gradually, and she achieved complete recovery without the need for renal replacement therapy. This study highlights that acute kidney injury from hair straightening can fully resolve if detected and treated promptly. It emphasizes the need for the medical community to advocate for reduced use of chemical hair products due to their nephrotoxic potential. The findings suggest that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should assess these products before they enter the market to evaluate the concentrations of harmful chemicals that may cause kidney damage or systemic toxicity upon use. This case report calls for increased awareness and regulatory action to safeguard public health.