Hair dye use and the risk of developing systemic lupus erythematosus

Arthritis Rheum. 1996 Apr;39(4):657-62. doi: 10.1002/art.1780390418.

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the role of hair dye use in the etiology of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods: Participants included 106,391 women enrolled in the Nurses' Health Study, a prospective cohort study. The subjects were ages 30-55 years in 1976, and were free from SLE and any other connective tissue disease at the time of enrollment. In 1976, 1978, 1980, and 1982, subjects were classified as never-users or ever-users of permanent hair dye, based on self-report. Incidence rates of SLE meeting American College of Rheumatology classification criteria were ascertained and confirmed by chart review.

Results: Compared with never-users of permanent hair dye, the age-adjusted relative risks (RR) for the development of SLE among ever-users (n = 85 cases) was 0.96 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.63-1.47). Duration of hair dye use was not related to risk of SLE. Women with 15 or more years of use had no increased risk (RR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.46-1.83). There was no relationship between frequency of use or time since first use and risk of SLE. The results were similar when less stringent criteria for SLE were used.

Conclusion: We found no evidence that permanent hair dye use, age at first use, frequency of use, or duration of use is associated with the development of SLE.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hair Dyes / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / chemically induced*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / epidemiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Hair Dyes