Arch Plast Surg.  2019 Mar;46(2):167-170. 10.5999/aps.2018.00871.

Closure of a full-thickness scalp burn that occurred during hair coloring using a simple skin-stretching method: A case report and review of the literature

• Oh SJ

• KMID: 2446819
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5999/aps.2018.00871

Abstract

Full-thickness scalp burns secondary to hair coloring are rare; however, such defects can be large and complex reconstruction of hair-bearing tissue may be necessary. Many skin-stretching devices that use gradual traction have been applied to take advantage of the viscoelastic properties of the skin. A 21-year-old female patient was seen with a burn defect on her occipital scalp leading to exposed subcutaneous tissue after chemical application of hair coloring in a salon. The dimensions of the wound were 10 cm×5 cm, and a skin graft or flap would have been necessary to close the defect. Two long transfixing K-wires (1.4 mm) and paired 3-wire threads (23 gauge), which are readily available in most hospitals, were applied over a period of 12 days for trichophytic closure of the defect. The remaining scalp scars after primary trichophytic closure with this skin-stretching method were refined with hair follicle transplantation. This skin-stretching method is simple to apply and valuable for helping to close problematic areas of skin shortage that would otherwise require more complicated procedures. This case shows a relatively unknown complication of hair coloring and its treatment.

Keyword

Burns, chemical; Scalp defect; Wound healing; Transplantation; Hair follicle

MeSH Terms

Burns*
Burns, Chemical
Cicatrix
Female
Hair Color*
Hair Follicle
Hair*
Humans
Methods*
Scalp*
Skin
Subcutaneous Tissue
Traction
Transplantation
Transplants
Wound Healing
Wounds and Injuries
Young Adult