Abstract | BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assay the type of allergy to preservatives contained in cosmetics and to assess the usefulness of the composition of allergens included in a standard series for the diagnosis of occupational contact allergy used to date. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The frequency of contact allergy to the standard series of preservatives ( thimerosal, Euxyl K 400, formaldehyde, Kathon CG, Quaternium 15, parabens) was assayed in a group of 1937 subsequent patients referred to the Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine in L6di and examined in the years 2000-2005. The frequency and type of allergy to preservatives of a cosmetic series in a group of 113 patients with poor tolerance of cosmetics were also investigated. RESULTS:
Allergy to thimerosal was found in 11.8% of patients tested with a standard series; to formaldehyde in 4.9%; and to Euxyl K 400 in 3.7%. Quaternium and parabens were less allergenic (0.8 and 0.3%, respectively). In the group of 113 patients subjected to patch test with a cosmetic series, allergy, i.e. at least one positive patch test, was observed in 49 (43.4%) patients. Of the 27 preservatives contained in cosmetics, 16 induced positive reaction to chemical compounds. Euxyl K 400 proved to be the basic allergenic preservative of this series, and induced allergy in 21 (18.6%) patients, whereas 17.7% of patients reacted to thimerosal. Only allergy to thimerosal applied to 8 persons, and 7 of them showed inflammatory lesions only on the face. Less allergic biocides were cocamidopropyl betaine (7.1%), Kathon CG (7.1%), Bronopol (5.3%), Germall II (4.4%), triethanolamine (3.5%), Germall 115 (2.6%), DMDM hydantoin (2.6%), Grotan BK (1.8%), sodium-2-pyridinethiol-1-oxide (1.8%), clioquinol (0.9%), Quaternium 15 (0.9%), and dimethylaminopropylamine (0.9%). CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study confirmed observations of other authors that allergy to preservatives present in numerous industrial products, especially Euxyl K 400, is still a growing problem. Like many other researchers, we are of the opinion that this allergen should be included in a standard series for the diagnosis of all patients with suspected allergic dermatitis, including that of occupational origin.
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Authors | Marta Kieć-Swierczyńska, Beata Krecisz, Dominika Swierczyńska-Machura |
Journal | Medycyna pracy
(Med Pr)
Vol. 57
Issue 3
Pg. 245-9
( 2006)
ISSN: 0465-5893 [Print] Poland |
Vernacular Title | Uczulenie kontaktowe na środki konserwujace zawarte w kosmetykach. |
PMID | 17125030
(Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Allergens
- Cosmetics
- Preservatives, Pharmaceutical
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Topics |
- Adult
- Allergens
(analysis)
- Cosmetics
(analysis)
- Dermatitis, Allergic Contact
(diagnosis, epidemiology, etiology)
- Dermatitis, Occupational
(diagnosis, epidemiology, etiology)
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Occupational Exposure
(analysis)
- Patch Tests
- Poland
(epidemiology)
- Preservatives, Pharmaceutical
(toxicity)
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