Open AccessContact allergy caused by isothiazolinone derivatives: an overview of non-cosmetic and unusual cosmetic sources
Author(s) -
Olivier Aerts,
An Goossens,
Julien Lambert,
JeanPierre Lepoittevin
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
european journal of dermatology/ejd. european journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.48
H-Index - 71
eISSN - 1952-4013
pISSN - 1167-1122
DOI - 10.1684/ejd.2016.2951
Subject(s) - medicine , cosmetics , dermatology , allergic contact dermatitis , contact allergy , contact dermatitis , contact urticaria , irritant contact dermatitis , allergy , pathology , immunology
The isothiazolinone derivatives, methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI), methylisothiazolinone (MI), benzisothiazolinone (BIT), and octylisothiazolinone (OIT), owing to their strong bactericide, fungicide and algicide properties, are widely used in non-cosmetic products, such as chemical (industrial) products, household detergents, and water-based paints, and the former two derivatives are also used in cosmetic products. However, given their inherent sensitization potential (with MCI > MI > BIT > OIT), allergic contact dermatitis is frequently observed, both in consumers as well as workers in various industries. In this review, we provide an update on the use of MCI/MI and MI in cosmetics, highlighting certain aspects of MI; the use of excessive concentrations, the presence in some less familiar cosmetic products, and the association with unusual clinical manifestations. Furthermore, the use of isothiazolinones in dish-washing and washing-machine liquids, cleaning agents for dental care, and their general presence in multi-purpose household detergents, which may elicit (airborne) allergic contact dermatitis, is discussed. Finally, we provide a brief overview of the use of isothiazolinone derivatives in the paint and textile industry, and of OIT in the leather industry in particular.