Teenager Hospitalized With Kidney Failure After Chemical Hair Straightening

A 14-year-old girl from the Western Galilee was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit at the Galilee Medical Center in Nahariya with acute kidney damage and deteriorating kidney function following a chemical hair straightening treatment. The girl's condition was initially described as moderate.

Dr. Yoav Hoffman, head of the pediatric intensive care department, issued a stern warning to parents, stating, "We are once again seeing the severe consequences of these chemical treatments on children. Our definitive medical recommendation to all parents is to completely abandon these procedures to protect your daughters' safety, as they pose an unnecessary and significant medical risk."

The Ministry of Health has strict regulations in place. Hair straightening treatments are strictly prohibited for individuals under 16 years old. For those over 16, it is crucial to verify that the product used is officially licensed and approved by the Ministry of Health. Some counterfeit products contain toxic glyoxylic acid, which can be absorbed through the skin and rapidly damage the kidneys.

Parents are advised to seek immediate emergency care if their child experiences symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, lower back pain, or a sudden, sharp decrease or change in urine color after undergoing a hair straightening procedure.