Hair dye poisoning: An emerging epidemic.

In view of the increasing number of case reports of hair dye poisoning it is important to sensitise medical professionals and toxicologists about its potentially lethal toxicity, and guidelines pertaining to management. Most permanent hair dyes contain paraphenylenediamine, which is nephrotoxic. The main aim of this communication is to create awareness amongst the medical fraternity regarding hair dye poisoning, so that cases of accidental or deliberate ingestion can be readily diagnosed and effectively treated.