Primary biliary cirrhosis: hair dye increases risk
2 April 2010
Women who dye their hair may be at increased risk of developing primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), researchers have found (Gut 2010; 59: 508-12). Primary biliary cirrhosis is a condition that causes the bile ducts in the liver to become inflamed and damaged.
While smoking was the primary risk factor identified in the UK study of 5000 women, hair dye was associated with a 37 per cent increased risk of PBC.
Women with a previous history of shingles, urinary infections or psoriasis had more than twice the risk of PBC compared to those without a history of these conditions.
The authors said while it was not possible to identify exactly which component of hair dye might be responsible for the association, previous studies had found that several chemicals used in cosmetics, such as octynoic acid, might be involved.
Last Reviewed: 02 April 2010
- 1. Prince MI, Ducker SJ, James, OFW. Case-control studies of risk factors for primary biliary cirrhosis in two United Kingdom populations. Gut 2010; 59: 508-12. Abstract available at: http://gut.bmj.com/content/59/4/508.abstract
