Hair greenL67.8

Author:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer

All authors of this article

Last updated on: 29.10.2020

Dieser Artikel auf Deutsch

Synonym(s)

Chlorotrichose; Chlorotrichosis; Green hair

Requires free registration (medical professionals only)

Please login to access all articles, images, and functions.

Our content is available exclusively to medical professionals. If you have already registered, please login. If you haven't, you can register for free (medical professionals only).


Requires free registration (medical professionals only)

Please complete your registration to access all articles and images.

To gain access, you must complete your registration. You either haven't confirmed your e-mail address or we still need proof that you are a member of the medical profession.

Finish your registration now

DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

Green discoloration of the main hair, especially in blonde, grey and bleached hair

EtiopathogenesisThis section has been translated automatically.

External copper adsorption, usually as a result of exposure to copper-containing tap or swimming pool water. Green discoloration of hair after application of copper-containing cosmetic plant extracts has also been described (Tosti A et al. 1991). Physically and chemically stressed hair promotes the absorption of copper on the hair shaft.

In blonde hair, strongly chlorinated water can also lead to a green tint of the hair.

TherapyThis section has been translated automatically.

Copper complexation by hair rinse with chelating agents. Treatment trial with 3% hydrogen peroxide or, if necessary, shampoos containing EDTA or 1.5% hydroxyethyldiphosphoric acid. Prophylactic washing with synthetic detergents or shampoos that contain quaternary ammonium compounds and thus prevent adsorption.

In case of green coloration after a visit to the pool, only a suitable hair tint (with low red pigments) can correct the green cast.

LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.

  1. Person JR (1985) Green hair: treatment with penicillinamin shampoo. Arch Dermatol 121: 717-718
  2. Petzoldt D (1995) Green hair. dermatologist 46: 276
  3. Tosti A et al (1991) Green hair caused by copper present in cosmetic plant extracts. Dermatologica 18: 204-205

Authors

Last updated on: 29.10.2020