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Frequency of positive patch test reactions to preservatives: The A ustralian experience
Author(s) -
Chow Elizabeth T,
Avolio Andrea M,
Lee Adriene,
Nixon Rosemary
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
australasian journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.67
H-Index - 53
eISSN - 1440-0960
pISSN - 0004-8380
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-0960.2012.00958.x
Subject(s) - preservative , medicine , patch test , allergic contact dermatitis , allergy , allergen , dermatology , contact dermatitis , patch testing , organic chemistry , chemistry , immunology
Background/Objectives Preservatives are important causes of allergic contact dermatitis. The frequency of allergy to preservatives in A ustralia has been unknown to date. Our objectives are to report the frequency of positive preservative patch test reactions in A ustralia, comparing them to the published international data, as well as exploring the current regulations in place for preservative use in A ustralia. Methods This was the first retrospective study of patch testing results, aggregated from four patch test clinics in three centres in M elbourne and S ydney. Results In all, 6845 patients were patch‐tested during 1993–2006 and in this period the five most frequent preservative allergens were formaldehyde (4.6%), E uxyl K 400 (containing methyldibromo glutaronitrile and phenoxyethanol) (3.3%), quaternium‐15 (2.9%), diazolidinyl urea (2.4%), and methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (2.3%). These were followed by dimethylol dimethyl DMDM hydantoin (2.1%), chloroacetamide (2.1%) and imidazolidinyl urea (1.9%). The least frequent sensitisers were parabens (1.1%), 2‐bromo‐2‐nitropropane‐1, 3‐diol (0.9%) and benzyl alcohol (0.4%). Conclusions Formaldehyde was the most prevalent preservative allergen. Chloroacetamide allergy was more commonly seen in A ustralia. Parabens, 2‐bromo‐2‐nitropropane‐1,3‐diol and benzyl alcohol were the least frequent sensitisers. Household products in A ustralia are not required to list all ingredients preventing sensitised individuals from properly assessing their exposure.