Hairdressing: Maxine's story

Case study: Maxine

Sector : Hairdressing

Condition: Allergic contact dermatitis

Maxine had been a hairdresser for over 22 years and even owned her own salon for five of them. She left work to have a family but 18 months after her return to the salon she spotted a rash on the back of her hands which she initially ignored. However, her hands swelled up and starting cracking and this spread all over her body, resulting in infection.

Her symptoms got so bad that she was forced to use prescription steroid creams. Not only was her career that she loved becoming a struggle but her home life was also suffering. Simple tasks such as washing dishes or peeling potatoes, onions or fruit, was irritating her skin and even bathing the children was causing her immense pain.

Maxine now resorts to applying the strongest of steroid creams but doesn't use them on a daily basis as it thins her skin. She wears gloves the majority of the time, especially when washing clients' hair.