Cross-reactions among parabens, para-phenylenediamine, and benzocaine: a retrospective analysis of patch testing.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Parabens are alkyl ester derivatives of para-hydroxybenzoic acid and are the most commonly used preservatives in the cosmetic industry. Cross-reactions with para-amino compounds, namely, benzocaine and para-phenylenediamine (PPD), have been reported but are thought to be extremely rare.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the rate of cross-reactivity between parabens, PPD, and benzocaine in a population of patients patch-tested in a hospital-based contact dermatitis clinic.

METHODS:

A retrospective analysis of 4,368 patients consecutively patch-tested between July 1989 and June 2005.

RESULTS:

Our study demonstrated that the rate of cross-reactions to parabens in PPD- and benzocaine-positive patients combined is 2%.

CONCLUSION:

This cross-reaction rate is significant in the tested population but still falls within the previously reported rates of sensitivity to parabens in the general population (0 to 3.5%).

• Authors: Irina Turchin, Linda Moreau, Erin Warshaw, Denis Sasseville
• Journal: Dermatitis : contact, atopic, occupational, drug (Dermatitis) Vol. 17 Issue 4 Pg. 192-5 (Dec 2006) ISSN: 1710-3568 [Print] United States
• PMID: 17150168 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anesthetics, Local
• Coloring Agents
• Parabens
• Phenylenediamines
• Preservatives, Pharmaceutical
• Benzocaine
• 4-phenylenediamine

Topics

• Anesthetics, Local (adverse effects)
• Benzocaine (adverse effects)
• Coloring Agents (adverse effects)
• Cross Reactions
• Dermatitis, Allergic Contact (etiology)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Parabens (adverse effects)
• Patch Tests
• Phenylenediamines (adverse effects)
• Preservatives, Pharmaceutical (adverse effects)
• Retrospective Studies