Hair casts due to a deodorant spray

A 7-year-old girl presented with itching and greyish-white sleeve-like structures in her hair. After ruling out other possible causes for the symptoms, such as nits and dandruff, it was determined that the patient was affected by hair casts. These are small cylindrical structures resembling louse eggs that encircle individual scalp hairs and are easily movable along the hair shafts. It was concluded that she had induced the condition through misuse of a deodorant body spray. Scanning electron microscopy combined with electron dispersive X-ray analysis (X-ray microanalysis) of the hair casts showed the chemical nature of the structures. Some elements present in the composition of the ingredients of the deodorant spray, such as aluminium, chlorine, silicon, magnesium and carbon, were also present in this uncommon type of hair casts.     

Crystal deodorant dermatitis: irritant dermatitis to alum-containing deodorant.

Two patients developed an irritant dermatitis of the axillae shortly after using an over-the-counter "natural deodorant crystal" product containing alum. We discuss this previously unreported, untoward reaction to alum, an ancient agent with newfound popularity as an alternative health product.     

Allergic axillary dermatitis due to hydrogenated castor oil in a deodorant

We present a case of axillary dermatitis caused by hydrogenated castor oil (HCO) in a commercially available deodorant. Patch testing with constituents obtained from the manufacturer showed allergic reaction to HCO 'as is', whereas there was no reaction to HCO 30% in pet. Testing 10 controls with HCO 'as is' did not cause irritant contact dermatitis. Allergic contact dermatitis to non-HCO in cosmetics has been described previously but sensitization to HCO seems to be rare. Most common allergens identified in deodorants are fragrances, and this case illustrates that HCO is another possible allergen found in this group of personal care products. It is important that it is tested 'as is' to avoid false-negative results.     

Contact dermatitis from an ostomy deodorant

Two patients with contact dermatitis from an ostomy agent are described. Detailed patch testing revealed contact allergic dermatitis to one of the twelve groups of ingredients which largely comprised citronella oil. The problem of dermatitis is discussed in relation to the perfume ingredients of the ostomy agent.     

A case of bullous dermatitis artefacta possibly induced by a deodorant spray

Dermatitis artefacta is one of a spectrum of factitious diseases etiologically responsible for skin lesions denied by patients. These factors often make it difficult to identify the causative agents of the condition. Herein, we report a case of bullous dermatitis artefacta in a 12-year-old girl, for which a deodorant spray was suspected as the probable cause. Pathological examination revealed subepidermal blistering with full-thickness necrosis of the epidermis, suggesting a thermo- or cryo-induced injury. Psychological testing demonstrated her immaturity and dependence. In searching for the causative agent, we suspected a deodorant spray as a blister-inducing agent. We succeeded in reproducing a similar blister lesion on the volunteer's healthy skin using the same spray. Psychiatric involvement significantly complicates the treatment of factitious diseases, including dermatitis artefacta. Cooperation among dermatologists, psychiatrists and the patient's family members is required for ensuring a favorable prognosis.     

Bullous cryothermic dermatitis artefacta induced by deodorant spray abuse

Background Dermatitis artefacta belongs to a broad spectrum of factitious diseases of lesions usually self‐induced by patients. Here we report a surprisingly effective induction of blisters and thermic dermatitis by excessive abuse of common deodorant sprays. Objectives We evaluated the clinical course and outcome in three patients with dermatitis artefacta induced by deodorant spray. Methods A 12‐year‐old boy only admitted the abuse of deodorant spray after psychiatric intervention. Two adults (21‐year‐old and 37‐year‐old women) had borderline personality disorder and frankly reported the urge to induce pain by spraying for at least 100 s at a short distance. Results Bullous dermatitis was the acute presenting sign in all patients. The bullae were found on the extensor surfaces of the extremities, with a distribution of older lesions showing erosions and scarring and fresh lesions with intact bullae with a diameter of 3–15 cm. After searching for the causative agent and removal of the deodorant spray, clinical outcome showed a healing without and with scars. Conclusions Cryo‐damage by abuse of common deodorant sprays seems to become a popular mechanism by which an impressive bullous dermatitis can be artificially induced. Dermatologists and psychiatrist should be aware of this method of injury.