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Synthetic hair reactions and treatment of complications: Case reports
Author(s) -
Triwongwaranat Daranporn,
Boonchai Waranya,
Subchookul Chanika,
Sitthinamsuwan Panitta,
Thuangtong Rattapon
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of cosmetic dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.626
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 1473-2165
pISSN - 1473-2130
DOI - 10.1111/jocd.13318
Subject(s) - folliculitis , medicine , scalp , dermatology , hair loss , adverse effect , surgery , antibiotics , microbiology and biotechnology , biology
Background Synthetic hair fiber implantation first achieved widespread use in the 1970s, but in 1983, the US Federal Drug Administration banned the fibers due to its complications. Currently available synthetic fibers consist of polyamide material, which has been claimed to be effective and safe. Nevertheless, its use for hair restoration is controversial because of complications such as recurrent infections; the rejection and the faster‐than‐anticipated loss of fibers; frequent allergic reactions; fears about carcinogenicity; cicatricial alopecia; granulomatous hypersensitivity; and cyst formation. Aims To report complications of synthetic hair implantation and treatments. Methods We report the clinical data, pathological studies, and treatment outcomes of two patients who developed complications after a synthetic hair implantation. Results Our case reports showed significant moderate‐to‐severe adverse events, including recurrent folliculitis, scalp crusting, scarring, the matting and breakage of fibers, and granulomatous reactions. The onset of the reactions varied between 1 and 8 weeks. Pathological studies showed that the implantation of the synthetic hair into the scalp produced a hyperplastic proliferation of epidermal cells, foreign body granuloma, and persistent acute inflammation due to bacterial infections. In our study, definitive treatment was ineffective until the synthetic fibers were removed from the scalp. Conclusion These significant adverse reactions may limit the benefits of synthetic hair fiber implantation for some patients. Although the inflammations were initially controlled by oral and topical antibiotics, a variety of antibiotics were unable to control the folliculitis. The fibers were ultimately removed, following which, the inflammations improved.