Relation of basal cell carcinoma to hair dye use

Abstract

To the Editor: Chemicals, such as aromatic hydrocarbons, are one of the underlying etiologies for basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Hair dyes are among the chemicals most extensively used. These products contain aromatic amine derivates, many of which are mutagenic.1 While there are no studies aimed at finding any possible relationship between BCC and personal hair dye use, many cancers—such as hematologic cancers2 and cancer of the urinary bladder3,4—have been investigated for this relation. In a cohort study of hairdressers, an increased risk was observed for in situ cancer of the skin.