Occupational allergic contact dermatitis due to acrylates in Lodz

Among 1619 patients suspected of occupational contacT dermatitis examined during the years 1990 1994, sensitivity to acrylates was diagnosed in 9 persons 14 dental technicians. 4 dentists. 1 textile printer). Ethyleoeglycol dimethacrylate (5 positive patch tests), methyl methacrylate (4). 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (4) and triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (4) were the most common sensitizers, Comparison of patch test results in dental technicians and dentists indicated that dentists were sensitive to a greater number of (meth)acrylate (aerylate and methacrylate) allergens and also to certain other allergens (metals and rubber additives). Dental technicians were sensitive almost exclusively to methaerylates, while the textile printer only to acrylates.     

Occupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by exposure to acrylates during work with dental prostheses

Between 1974 and 1992. we were consulted by 4 patients (an orthodontist. 2 dental technicians and a denial worker trained in-house) who had developed occupational allergic contact dermatitis from working with denial prostheses. All patients had positive allergic patch test reactions to methyl methacrylate (MMA). the acrylate which is the most widely used in work with prostheses. All but the orthodontist also reacted to dimethacrylates. which are used in cross-linked dental prostheses. The last patient, investigated in 1992. had been exposed mainly to light-cured acrylics, which are similar in composition to dental composite resins. These acrylics, only recently introduced into prosthetic work, contain more potent acrylic sensilizers than MMA. Accordingly, dental personnel working with prostheses may face a higher risk of sensitization than previously. To detect cases of occupational allergic contact dermatitis, we suggest that patients working with dental prosiheses should be patch tested with MMA, 2-hydroxyethyi methacrylate. dimeihacrylates. epoxy acrylates and urethane acrylates.     

Occupational allergic contact dermatitis in construction workers

We report the patch test results of 449 con in met ion workers who came as patients to tine Occupational Dermatology Service of the Instituto National de Medicina y Seguridad del Trabajo in Madrid between 1989 and 1993. 90.8%. of them were patch tested, because they had cutaneous lesions or a clinical history suggestive of occupational dermatitis. 65.5% (268) of those patch tested showed one or more reactions connected with their work. Chromate at 411 was the main allergen. followed by cobalt, 20.5% nickel. 10%, and epoxy resin. 7.5%. 25.9% (106) of patients showed sensitization to rubber components, the majority at 20.7%, to thiuram mix, with TETD being the main allergen.     

Occupational allergic contact dermatitis from lichens in present-day Finland

Lichens are abundant in forests, living on trees, soil, stones and rocks. They contain usnic acid and other lichen acids that are contact allergens. Lichens and liverworts cause woodcutter's dermatitis, eczema that appears in the forest on the bare skin areas, especially in cold and wet weather. Occupational allergic contact dermatitis from lichens occurs in forestry and horticultural workers and in lichen pickers. Lichens can cause immediate allergy, contact urticaria, rhinitis and asthma and probably also photoallergic contact dermatitis. Lichens are used for the manufacture of oak moss absolute, a fragrance constituent. Oak moss absolute contains lichen acids and is one of the commonest contact allergens. Lichen acid allergy develops either from contact with lichens or from fragrances. We describe 4 cases of occupational allergic contact dermatitis from lichens during the past decade: 2 were farmers and 2 gardeners. 3 of them had allergic reactions to fragrance mix and oak moss absolute. Lichen contact allergy is an old, partly forgotten, syndrome that should be remembered for symptoms in contact with barked wood or wood dust.     

Occupational allergic contact dermatitis from 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate in a modified acrylic structural adhesive

Acrylates have a broad area of application in various products including glues, sealants and adhesives. Whereas anaerobic acrylic sealants arc well-known sensitizers, acrylate glues that cure in air have only seldom been reported as allergens. Here a patient sensitized to such a glue, and developing hand dermatitis that spread to the lower arms, chest, neck and face, is presented. Her glue was analyzed by gas chroma tography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and contained 24,6% 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (2-HEMA) and 0.4% ethylene glyol dimethacrylate (EGDMA). These 2 acrylate compounds, as well as her glue, provoked an allergic patch test reaction. Also many other acrylate compounds, e.g., tetrahydrofurfuryl methacrylate, gave an allergic reaction indicating cross-allergy. The patient could not continue in her previous workplace because of severely-relapsing skin symptoms.     

Occupational contact dermatitis in a manicurist

We report a case of a manicurist who developed an allergic skin reaction to acrylates, manifested by itchy erythema, papules, vesicles and fissures on her hands, fingertips, forearm and eyelids. Patch tests showed positive reactions to three nail products used: ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate, ethyl acrylate and 2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate in (meth)acrylate series. By using gel nail products, our patient became sensitized to 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate. We assume that this had been the trigger, leading to the occurrence of cross‐reactions between numerous acrylates including ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, ethyl acrylate and 2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate. When handling nail products, it is necessary to prevent airway sensitization, contact sensitization and cross‐reaction between various acrylates.     

Occupational allergic contact dermatitis from bisphenol A in vinyl gloves

Allergic contact dermatitis caused by polyvinyl chloride gloves is rarely reported, and in only 2 cases was bisphenol A considered to be the responsible sensitizer. We report a patient with occupational hand dermatitis after the use of a new type of high-density vinyl (HDV) gloves. Patch tests showed positive (++) reactions to both used and new HDV gloves and to bisphenol A. Chemical analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry demonstrated the presence of bisphenol A in the HDV gloves. Replacement by nitrile rubber gloves resulted in complete clearance of the hand dermatitis.     

Occupational airborne allergic contact dermatitis from methacrylates in a dental nurse

BACKGROUND: There are very few reports of airborne allergic contact dermatitis from methacrylates. OBJECTIVES: To report a dental nurse with facial eczema supposedly caused by airborne methacrylates present in the work environment. METHODS: Patch testing with serial dilutions of several methacrylates and work provocations in environments containing methacrylates was performed. RESULTS: Patch testing with serial dilutions of several methacrylates disclosed a high patch test reactivity. Repeated provocations when working with methacrylates resulted in facial eczema that resolved out of work. Attempts to collect the sensitizers using air pumps for the collection of vapors and filters for the collection of air-born aerosols failed. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical presentation was that of a facial dermatitis due to airborne exposure to methacrylates. It seems likely that 1 or several of these allergens caused the dermatitis.