Induction of allergic contact dermatitis and pervasive face edema due to Brazilian keratin treatment.

Brazilian keratin treatment (BKT) is a prevalent hair straightening method widely used by women in the world. The degree of concentration of formaldehyde safe for sensitive patients is still obscure. Report claims that these products contain intolerably high levels of formaldehyde. Yet, hair straightening products may lead to severe allergic contact dermatitis, by means of the responsible allergens such as formaldehyde and its releasers. This case report presents the case of a 37-year-old female patient developing extensive edema of the face and acute inflammatory changes in the scalp from chemical-induced irritation, on the day following the application of BKT to straighten her hair.