Risks and possibilities in patch testing with contaminated personal objects: usefulness of thin-layer chromatograms in a patient with acrylate contact allergy from a chemical burn

We report a case of a chemical burn from dipropylene glycol diacrylate (DPGDA) spilt on working shoes, followed by active sensitization, thus giving an occupational allergic contact dermatitis on the patient's dorsal feet. Diagnostic tests included patch testing with acetone extracts made from the different shoe layers and thin-layer chromatograms. An invisible spot on the thin-layer chromatography plate gave a test eczema and was further investigated with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. DPGDA was detected in the spot.