In this article, we will discuss the Clinical Features and Investigation of Hair Dye Poisoning. So, let’s get started.
Clinical Features
The poisoning is mainly ingestional for suicidal intent. Symptoms appear within few hours. The main symptoms include angioedema of face, neck, larynx leading to acute breathing problem. There is chocolate brown colored urine. There is a toxic effect of PPD. This is followed by bone pain and tender muscles due to rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure which may set in due to hypovolemia and intravascular hemolysis or by direct nephrotoxicity of PPD and may even lead to death. Other effects of PPD are liver failure, altered sensorium, convulsions, GI symptoms etc.
The other component resorcinol is corrosive, produces methaemoglobinemia and renal toxicity. The sodium EDTA can produce hypocalcemia and tetany.
Investigation
Investigation include complete hemogram, blood urea, serum creatinine, electrolytes (Na+, K+, Mg++), CPK, ECG and blood methaemoglobin and myoglobinuria for rhabdomyolysis. LFTs must be done.