[Acute, toxic, reversible hair loss through drain and sanitary cleansing vapors containing sodiumhypochloride and sodiumhydroxide].

Exposition to drain and sanitary cleansing vapors containing sodiumhypochloride and sodiumhydroxide provoked acute, reversible toxic alopecia. Trichograms of this depilatory type of alopecia showed that signs of hair dystrophy and loss of the hair sheath. Histological examination of skin and hair showed changes in hair structures and discrete lymphocytic infiltration. The prerequisite for this effect was the improper use of cleansing agents and the relative conditions during use which led to the intense exposition of the scalp to sodiumhypochloride vapor. A possible chemical reaction between cleansing agent and dirt may have been responsible, just as the condition of the scalp and hair e.g. increased transpiration, hydration may have led the way to hair loss. Acute hair loss occurred in the scalp and beard region following the use of cleansing agents; additional genital hair loss arose after sodiumhydroxide use. This condition persisted for 4 weeks. Body and scalp hair was completely restored after 1 year.