Hair and nails
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Hair and Nails: Biomarkers, Disorders, and Occupational Exposures
Hair and Nails as Noninvasive Biomarkers
Biomonitoring of Flame Retardants
Human hair and nails have emerged as valuable noninvasive biomarkers for assessing exposure to various environmental chemicals, including brominated and organophosphate flame retardants. Studies have shown that compounds such as BDE-47, BDE-99, TBB, TBPH, TDCIPP, and TPHP are detectable in hair, fingernail, and toenail samples, with concentrations correlating significantly with serum levels. This suggests that hair and nails can effectively reflect internal exposure levels to these chemicals, providing a practical means for biomonitoring1.
Trace Elements Analysis
Hair and nails are also used extensively for analyzing trace elements due to the simplicity of sample collection. These tissues can reflect the concentration and activity of elements in the body, although contamination and interpretation of results remain challenges. Studies have confirmed strong correlations between hair and nail concentrations for elements like Hg, Cd, Pb, Sb, and Bi, validating their use in exposure assessment6 7.
Common Hair and Nail Disorders
Dermatological Conditions
Hair and nails are often overlooked in dermatological assessments, yet they are prone to various conditions that can cause significant distress. Common hair issues include excessive hair growth, hair loss, and hair in unwanted places, while nail conditions often involve inflammatory diseases like psoriasis and eczema. These conditions require accurate diagnosis and management to mitigate their psychological and physical impacts2 9.
Genetic Disorders
Inherited disorders affecting hair and nails often involve other epithelial components, leading to multiple anomalies. These genetic conditions can cause significant distress for patients and their families. Recent advances in understanding these genodermatoses have shed light on their complex nature and potential treatment pathways3.
Diseases in the Elderly
As the population ages, hair and nail diseases in the elderly are becoming more prevalent. Common hair diseases include androgenetic alopecia and frontal fibrosing alopecia, while nail diseases include onychomycosis and brittle nails. These conditions can severely impact the quality of life, necessitating specialized geriatric care10.
Occupational Exposures in Hair and Nail Salons
Health Risks for Salon Workers
Hair and nail salon workers are exposed to various chemicals that may pose health risks. Studies have highlighted the potential for respiratory issues and the need for improved exposure assessments. Despite the presence of endocrine-disrupting compounds in salon products, recent research has not adequately addressed endocrine-related health endpoints. More comprehensive studies are needed to better understand and mitigate these occupational hazards8.
Conclusion
Hair and nails serve as crucial indicators of both environmental exposures and various health conditions. They offer a noninvasive means for biomonitoring chemicals and trace elements, while also reflecting dermatological and genetic disorders. Additionally, the occupational health risks faced by salon workers underscore the need for improved safety measures and further research. Understanding and addressing these aspects can significantly enhance health outcomes and quality of life.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Hair and Nails as Noninvasive Biomarkers of Human Exposure to Brominated and Organophosphate Flame Retardants.
Human hair and nails can serve as noninvasive biomarkers for assessing human exposure to brominated and organophosphate flame retardants.
Observational Study
Highly CitedHair and nails.
This article provides guidance on diagnosing and managing common hair and nail conditions in general practice, with potential psychological implications.
Genetic hair and nail disorders.
Recent advances in understanding genetic hair and nail disorders have improved our understanding of their complex development and associated physical and psychological distress for patients.
Diseases of the hair and nails.
Hair and nails can be affected by diseases, iatrogenic treatments, and internal diseases, providing valuable information for physicians to diagnose underlying conditions.
The biologic bases for using hair and nail for analyses of trace elements.
Hair and nails are useful for measuring trace elements, but the primary consideration is the extent to which their values reflect the concentration and activity of elements in other body parts.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedApplication of double focusing sector field ICP-MS for multielemental characterization of human hair and nails. Part II. A study of the inhabitants of northern Sweden.
Double-focusing sector-field ICP-MS effectively characterizes human hair and nails, revealing correlations between elements and their potential use in metal exposure assessment.
Observational StudyHighly CitedOccupational Exposures Among Hair and Nail Salon Workers: a Scoping Review
Hair and nail salon workers may experience respiratory effects, but more research is needed on reproductive health effects and endocrine disruption.
Systematic ReviewNails and hair
Nails and hair are appendages of the skin, and their growth, condition, and integrity are indicators of local and systemic pathologies.
Rigorous Journal