bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changing trends in the epidemiology of contact dermatitis in Singapore
Authors: Leok J. T. E. , Goh C. L. , Ng S. K. , Wong W. K.
Published: April 2006

All patients seen in the Contact Dermatitis Clinic of the National Skin Centre, Singapore (and the former Middle Road Hospital) between January 1986 and December 1990 were analysed retrospectively. 5557 patients comprising 2934 (47.4%) males and 2923 (52.6%) females were patch tested, 3154 (56.8%) patients had 1 or more positive reactions. The majority of the patients wore Chinese (78.0%), followed by Malays (11.5%), Indians (8.1%) and other minority races (2.4%). The majority of positive reactions belonged to the 21.40 age group. The incidence of Positivity decreased after 61) years. The commonest allergens responsible were nickel (17.7%), fragrance (13.3%); neomycin (6.9%), colophony (6.6%)and proflavine (6.5%). Both neomycin mid proflavine were commonly used as over‐the‐counter medicaments. Compared loan earlier report in 1988, there were differences in the incidence of contact sensitivity to some allergens. Potassium dichromate. which used to be a common allergen, was less common. Some allergens (carba‐mix, naphthyl‐mix, caine‐mix and PCMX) have been removed from our standard series as they were uncommon causes of contact allergy. Thimerosal and Amerchol L‐101 were added in their place.
Patch testing with pure palladium metal in patients with sensitivity to palladium chloride
Authors: Toad D. J. , BORROWS D.
Published: April 2006

During a 15‐month period. 536 patients being investigated for suspected contact dermatitis were paid) tested with the European standard series and palladium chloride 1% pet, 13 patients (2.4%) had a positive allergic response to palladium chloride and all 13 were also allergic to nickel. 12 of these 13 patients consented to further patch testing with discs of pure palladium metal Toil, mid none reacted. We have shown previously that palladium chloride patch test material contains traces of nickel, and propose an explanation for these results in terms of the additive effect of allergens when tested in combination.
Cross‐reactivity with Tagetes in Arnica contact eczema
Authors: Pirker C. , Möslinger T. , Koller D. Y. , Göutz M. , Jarisch R.
Published: April 2006

A 69‐year‐old patient, with known mercury and adhesive plaster allergy, developed facial dermatitis within 24 h of contact with arnica (Arnica). Skin testing showed positive reactions to arnica and, among various other plants of the Compositae, also to Tagetes sp. hybr. (marigold). Cross‐reactivity between Tagetes and arnica has not previously been described.
Reactive changes in human epidermis following simple occlusion with water
Authors: Mikulowska Anna
Published: April 2006

Reactive changes produced in human epidermis by occlusion with water for 24 or 48 h were studied. A Focally widened intercellular space was common. Several, often pronounced, reactive events were observed in the Langerhans cell system, whereas the keratinocytes and the melanocytes seemed unaffected. The reactive events showed a scattered distribution and were revealed only by electron microscopic analysis of extensive section series. It seems that among epidermal cells, the Langerhans cells are the must susceptible and most easily alerted by an exogenous challenge.
Patch test reactions in atopic patients
Authors: Lammintausta K. , Kalimo K. , Fagerlund V. L.
Published: April 2006

Patch testing was carried out in 851 atopic patients: 181 atopic dermatitis (AD)patients were additionally tested with 50% dilutions of the test substances. The occurrence of allergic and irritant reactions was frequent, being 57% and 33% for AD patients aged 28–41 years and 19–27 years, respectively. Among age‐matched allergic rhinitis (AR)/allergic conjunctivitis (AC) or asthma (A) patients, the number of allergic reactions varied from 25 to 30%, and for irritant reactions was 24%. In all groups, nickel, fragrance‐mix, balsam of Peru and neomycin were the commonest allergens. Contact allergy to ingredients of topical medicaments was common among AD patients and patients with severe and long‐lasting dermatitis were most frequently sensitized. However, sensitivity to multiple substances was not common among those patients. The number of irritant reactions was considerable, but 50% dilution of the test substances did not solve the problem.
The influence of topical dermatological treatment modalities on epidermal Langerhans cells and contact sensitization in mice
Authors: Gruner Stefan , Zwirner Angelika , Strunk Dirk , Sönnichsen Niels
Published: April 2006

The influence of the widely used topical dermatological treatment modalities anthralin, coal tar and pyrogallol on surface markers of epidermal Langerhans cells and contact sensitization was studied and compared with that of a PUVA treatment. A common effect of all dermatological therapies found was inhibition of Langerhans cell ATPase, whereas an effect on MHC class H antigens was round only after PUVA or tar treatment. The induction of contact hypersensitivity was inhibited only by PUVA, and not by the other treatments. These results show that various forms or topical therapy influence surface markers and immunological function of epidermal Langerhans cells differently.
Prick and use tests with 6 glove brands in patients with immediate allergy to rubber proteins
Authors: Lahti Arto , Turjanmaa Kristhna
Published: April 2006

20 patients with contact urticaria from rubber gloves were prick tested using eluates from 4 latex (Trifiex®, Ansell Gammex, Exona, Armi) and 2 non‐latex (TactylonTM, Elastyren®) glove brands. All patients showed a positive prick test reaction to at least 2 latex glove eluats. A hypoallergenic glove (Ansell Gammex) gave a positive prick test reaction in 1 patient, but non‐latex gloves were negative in all cases, All patients showed a positive result in the use test with a latex surgical glove (Triflex®), whereas none did with a non‐latex glove (TactylonTM). Non‐latex gloves and, in some cases, also hypoallergenic latex gloves, are a good alternative to rubber gloves for patients with immediate latex allergy.
Role of keratinocytes in allergic contact dermatitis
Authors: Barker Jonathan N. W. A.
Published: April 2006

Although once thought to play a purely structural role, there is increasing evidence that keratinocytes are actively involved in epidermal immune responses, including allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). In vitro studies demonstrate that both urushiol and nickel sulphate induce cytokine production in cultured keratinocytes including molecules responsible for endothelial cell activation and lymphocyte chemotaxis and adhesion, In vivo, these same molecules are expressed in experimentally induced patch test reactions to a variety of allergens, Furthermore, such expression precedes the onset of the inflammatory phase of ACD. Taken together, these studies suggest a role complementary to that of Langerhans cells for keratinocytes in the initiation and propagation of ACD
Corticosteroid or steroid allergy?
Authors: Schoenmakers A. , Vermorkkn A. , Degreef H. , Dooms‐Goossens A.
Published: April 2006

The aim of this study was m elucidate the role of the C. OH substitucnt of the corticosteroid molecule in relation to corticonsteroids such as deoxycortisol. Progectagens. Festoster one, and estrogens. Skin tests with these substances in hydrocortisone‐allergic patients revealed a division between patients for whom the 17‐a‐OH group this essential to induec the allergic reaction and patients for whom this group did not 5Wrn to be essential. Some of the patients of the Inner group also practod lo 17‐n‐OlI‐progesteroBe, This may indicate cross‐sensitivity between hydroeortisone and 17‐a‐OH‐proigesterone, which might play un etiological role in autoimmune progesterone dermatitis.
Scarified photopatch testing in lomefloxacin photosensitivity
Authors: Kurumaji Yuko , Shono Mamiko
Published: April 2006

We report the results of sacrified photopatch testing in 3 patients with photosensitivity to lomefloxacin, a new quinolone: antibacterial agent introduced onto the Japanese market in April 1990. The patients developed pruritic eczematous lesions on sun‐exposed areas 5 days to 3 weeks after they had started taking lomefloxacin. 2 cases reacted positively to lomefloxacin on scarified photopatch testing down to 0.1% pet., arid 1 patient down to 10% pet One of them also showed positive reactions on conventional photopatch testing; Scarified photopatch testing with 7 other pyridone carbonate derivatives in 2 of the 3 cases, however, did not show any positive reactions patch and scarified patch testing were negative in all patients. The clinical course, clinical and histological findings and results of skin tests in these patients suggest that photoallergic mechanisms arc involved. This is the 1st report of positive reactions on scarified photopatch testing, which appears to be a useful method of detecting the causative drug in drug‐induced photosensitivity.
Epidemiological, clinal and allergological observations on pompholyx
Authors: Lodi Andrea , Betti Roberto , Chiarelli Giovanni , Enrico Urbani Carlo , Crosti Carlo
Published: April 2006

We have studied a group of 104 patients with pompholyx, to investigate the relationship between allergological factors and its etiopathogenesis. The following examinations were performed; blood sampling (routine tests and IgE levels), allergological tests (patch, prick, intradermal, and oral provovation tests with nickel sulphate), skin biopsy to exclude pemphigus vulgaris or bullous pemphigoid. An accurate history of familial and personal allergic diathesis was enquired for and various possible aggravating factors (season, microclimate, perspiration and emotional stress) were considered. The results were age and sex‐matched with a healthy control group (208 subjects). We found familial and personal atopic diathesis in 50% of patient wersus 11.5% of controls (p<0.001); 39 patients (37.49%) also had high levels of IgE. Nickel sulphate was the allergen with the highest positivity on patch testing: 20.19% versus 6.25% of the control group (p<0.001). The % of patients allergic to nickel reached 26%. including those (6 patients) reacting to the oral provocation test. Season (43 patients) and hyperhidrosis (38) were the aggravating factors most commonly claimed. We detected no correlation between age, sex grading of pompholyx and the allergolngical parameters investigated. Though several different allergological findings have previously been reported in dyshidrosis their role in its pathogenesis has not yet been fully explained. We think that different haptens or antigens can produce the same clinical and histological picture of pompholyx in predisposed subjects.
Keratinocyte expressioin of class II MHC antigens in long‐lasting allergic patch test reactions
Authors: Todd D. J. , Handley J. , Walsh M. , Dolan O. , Burrows D.
Published: April 2006

The keratinocyte expression of class II MHC antigens HLA‐DR, DP and DQ was studied in 20 long‐lasting allergic patch test reactions and 17 normal allergic patch tests reactions. No significicant difference in the expression of these antigens in the 2 groups was detected. No 1 allergen was responsible for the majority of long‐lasting allergic patch test reactions. The immunological mechanisms which may contribute to long‐lasting allergic patch test reactions are discussed with reference to HLA‐DR Keratinocytes.
Evaluation of contact allergy to chemicals using laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) technique
Authors: Li Qing , Aoyama Kohji , Matsushita Toshio
Published: April 2006

Skin blood flow in allergic contact reactions and cross‐sensitivity were evaluated using laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) to study the dose‐response relationships in phases of induction and challenge in guinea pigs. Guinea pigs were sensitized with different doses of 1‐chioro‐2,4‐dinitrobenzene (DNCB) and challenged with different doses of DNCB and 2,4‐dinitrobenzene sulfonic sodium salt (DNBS). The skin reactions were evaluated by LDF and visual reading score. The results indicated that there were dose‐response relationships between the doses of DNCB and LDF measure‐men is in both phases of induction and challenge, that there was a cross‐reaction between DNCB and DNBS. and that the reactions at 24 h were greater than that at 48 h after removal of the patches. LDF may discriminate between positive patch test reactions and negative or doubtful reactions, but not between weak positive and strong positive reactions. This is because vascular dilatation and increase of flow already reaches a maximum in weak reactions. The more advanced phases are dominated by oedema formation. This is simply the nature of the inflammatory reaction, rather than a methodological error. The important point is that LDF, can separate positive reactions from negative/uncertain reactions. The results indicated that LDF, as a non‐invasive technique, may objectively und quantitatively evaluate the dose‐response relationships of contact sensitivity of sensitizers.
Propolis allergy (IV) Studies with further sensitizers from propolis and constituents common to propolis, poplar buds and balsam of Peru
Authors: Hausen B. M. , Evers P. , Stüwe H ‐T. , König W. A. , Wollenweber E.
Published: April 2006

26 different compounds have been investigated experimentally for their sensitizing capacity in guinea pigs. 19 of these occur in propolis as well as in poplar bud exudates, and 14 of them are also found in balsam of Peru. 4 caffeates and benzyl isoferulate were found to be strong Sensitizers. 7 compounds were moderate, and 13 compounds showed only weak sensitizing potency. Methyl cinnamate was negative. Patch tests in 11 propolis‐sensitive patients once more revealed 3‐methyi‐2‐butenyl caffeate and phenylethyl caffeate as the major sensitizers. In addition to the 8 compounds already known to occur in propolis as well as in balsam of Peru, we detected 5 further substances that both materials have in common. Among these, benzyl isoferulate is considered a noteworthy sensitizer. Coniferyl benzoate, which was shown to be a moderate sensitizer, is present in fresh samples of balsam of Peru, while in propolis it has been detected only once so far. The flavonoid aglycones occurring in poplar bud exudates, and hence also in propolis, are weak sensitizers which play only a minor role m propolis hypersensitivity.
Allergic contact dermatitis in children
Authors: Gonçalo S. , Gonçalo M. , Azenha A. , Barros M. A. , Sousa Bastos A. , Brandato F. M. , Faria A. , Marques M. S. J. , Pecegueiro M. , Rodrigues J. B. , Salgueiro and E. , Torres V.
Published: April 2006

The authors report a study allergic contact dermatitis in 329 Portuguese children of 14 years or younger. 170 children (64 male and 106 female) reacted to 1 or more allergens. Most of these were in the 11–14 years group. The main allergens were nickel, thimerosal, cobalt, mercury, fragrance‐mix and potassium dichromate. Nickel reactivity predominated in females over the whole group, but a greater number of males younger than 5 years reacted to nickel. The number of positive reactions increased with age, but this was not accompained by an increase in the % of relevant tests. 12 children, all of them 13 or 14 years‐old, had an occupational allergic contact dermatitis.
Effect of a new topical cyclosporin formulation on human allergic contact dermatitis
Authors: Surber Christian , Itin Peter , Büchner S. , Maibach H. L.
Published: April 2006

We Studied the effect of a new topical cyclosporine(CS)formulation on the suppression of allergic contact dermatitis. 4 test sites were outlined on the back of healthy male volunteers. For 7 consecutive days, the lest sites were treated as follows: #1; CS formulation (10%), #2; placebo formulation, #3; flumethasone pivalate (FP) formulation (0.02%; #4: no treatment. On day 8, we challenged all test sites in the diphenylcyclopropenone (DCP) sensitized individuals. Photographic and clinical documentation was performed daily. 24 h alter the DCP skin challenge, a marked redness accompanied by severe itching and slight pain occurred in the test sites pretreated with CS (#1) and placebo (#2). A considerably milder reaction was noted in the untreated test site (#4) and only a faint redness was noted in the test site pretreated with FP (#3). After 36 h. a further increase in the cutaneous reaction was documented in CS and placebo pretreated test sites (#1,2). In agreement with other workers, topical CS did not suppress experimentally‐induced allergic contact dermatitis in man. On the contrary, in CS and placebo pretreated areas (#1,2), an increased Cutaneous reaction was observed. This observation may be explained by the extensive pretreatment with the topical formulation of CS and placebo, which possibly caused a profound perturbation of the stratum corneum, enabling excessive allergen penetration compared to the untreated area with intact stratum corneum.
Heat treatment of Japanese lacquerware renders it hypoallergenic
Authors: Kawai Kehchi , Nakagawa Mikio , Kawai Kyozo , Miyakoshi Tetsuo , Miyashita Kenichi , Asami Tohru
Published: April 2006

Japanese lacquer is made from the sap of the Japanese lacquer tree (Toxicodendron Vernicifluum), a member of the Anacardiacae plant family. Objects painted with this material are described Collectively as lacquerware. Both fresh lacquer and lacquerware may evoke allergic contact reactions ascribable to the urushiols contained therein. In this study, we have examined the effects of heating on the ability of lacqueware to elicit an allergic contact reaction. Lacquer films prepared with and without heat treatment were tested on urushiol‐sensitive subjects. Patch test reactions were strongest to untreated film and decreased with increasing level of heat treatment. Assays for free urushiol in the lacquer films demonstrated that free urushiol content decreased with increasing heat treatment and that urushiols with saturated und monounsaturated alk(en)yl chains predominated.
Diagnostic value of the lymphocyte proliferation test in nickel contact allergy and provocation in occupational coin dermatitis
Authors: Räsänen Liisa , Tuomi Marja‐Leena
Published: April 2006

The lymphocyte proliferation test (LPT) was compared with the patch test in the diagnosis of nickel contact sensitivity Of the 21 subjects with nickel contact allergy, the patch test detected 28 (95%) The subject remaining negative in the patch test was positive in the intradennat test. 18/21 subjects with nickel contact sensitivity were positive in the LPT. Where as in the control group 2/23 was false positive These results were obtained at nickel sulfate concentrations of less than. 10 μg/ml higher concentrations led to nonspecific lymphocyte stimulation. 3 nickel‐sensitive cashiers with suspected coin contact‐induced deterioration of their hand eczema were challenged by having them count nickel‐containing coins daily for 15 min. 2 of them developed vesicular eczema on their palms and fingers in 2 to 3 days. The present results show that the LPT is a reliable additional test in the diagnosis of nickel contact sensitivity. Furthermore, provocation is a valuable procedure when assessing the relevance of nickel contact in occupational hand eczema in certain occupations.
Influence of area of application of allergen on sensitization in contact dermatitis
Authors: Upadhye Monika R. , Maibach Howard I.
Published: April 2006

There are at lest 2 quantitative variables when applying allergens to obtain sensitization the absolute amount of allergen and the surface concentration. This review analyzes the limited studies on surface concentration and determines surface area threshold levels for the allergens documented in the literature.
Erythema induced by organic solvents: in vivo evaluation of oxygenized and deoxygenized haemoglobin by reflectance spectroscopy
Authors: Berardesca E. , Andersen P. H. , Bjerring P. , Maibach H. I.
Published: April 2006

Objective: (i) using a new non‐invasive technique capable of evaluating quantitatively and qualitatively the haemoglobin content of the skin (ii) to evaluate delipidization induced by organic solvents. Patients: 11 Caucasians treated for 1 min in a randomized manner on the volar forearm with a mixture of chloroform/methanol (2: 1) (CM) and ether/acetone (1:1) (EA) to delipidize the skin. Method erythema was evaluated by computerized remittance spectroscopy immediately after delipidization and hourly for 2 h. Results: only CM application induced subjectively observed and objectively quantified erythema. Erythema was related to a significant increase in oxygenized haemoglobin content due to dilatation of arterioles in the subpapillary plexus (P<0.01). The increased blood flow induced a significant (P<0.01) reduction in de‐oxygenized haemoglobin in venous vessels immediately after CM application. Conclusion: short contact with certain potent solvent mixtures causes erythema, possibly due to massive lipid extraction and damage of the skin barrier. Using computerized remittance spectroscopy the visible erythema was composed of an increase in oxygenized haemoglobin and a relative decrease in deoxygenized haemoglobin.
Study of dose‐response relationship in contact sensitivity using an in vitro assay
Authors: Li Qing , Aoyama Kohji
Published: April 2006

Dose‐response relationships in contact sensitivity were evaluated in guinea pigs using an in vitro assay. Guinea pigs were sensitized with different doses of 1‐chloro‐2,4‐dinitrobenzene (DNCB) and challenged with DNCB and 2,4‐dinitrobenzene sulfonic salt (DNBS). Lymph node cells from sensitized and control guinea pigs were cultured in the presence of different doses of DNCB and DNBS at 8 × 105 cells/well, respectively. The sensitivity was evaluated by the lymphocyte transformation test (LTT). which was assessed by uptake of 3H‐thymidine. The results indicated that there were Significant correlations between the doses of sensitizers and the values of LTT in both phases of induction and challenge. Thus, the presence of higher numbers of LTT‐reactive lymphocytes in the circulation may well correlate with the sensitizing doses. The values examined by in vitro assay correlated well with patch test readings (r= 0.653l), indicating that following the increment of degree of patch test reactions, the values of SI were also increased. The in vitro LTT may discriminate between positive patch test reactions and negative or doubtful reactions, but not between weak positive and strong positive reactions. The in vitro assay reproduced the cross‐reaction between DNCB and DNBS which was confirmed in vivo.
Sensitization to azo dyes: negative patch tests to yellow and red azo dyes in printed paper
Authors: Thierbach M. A. C. , Geursen‐Tettsma A. M. , van Joost Th.
Published: April 2006

An over 2 × fold increase in para‐aminoazobenzene allergy was observed in patients with contact dermatitis during the years 1990‐1991. Presuming that an increase in colour‐primed newspapers might be a new unrecognized source of clinical allergy to azo dyes, patch tests were performed in 12 patients with an established p‐aminoazobenzene allergy using a series of important azo dyes used in offset priming ink (Pigment Yellow 12. Pigment Yellow 13, Pigment Red 53, Pigment Red 57), as well as with dye‐containing inks and specimens of colour‐primed newspaper containing these azo dyes. In 25 out of the 32 patients (75%). positive patch tests were seen to textile azo dyes, in particular to Disperse Orange 3 (24 patients) In none of the 32 patients were reactions observed to the azo dyes used in printing ink to the inks used or to the colour‐printed paper specimens, indicating that these products were apparently not a cause of contact dermatitis in our group of patients with azo dye sensitization.
Allergic contact dermatitis from formaldehyde
Authors: Flyholm Mari‐Ann , Menne Torkil
Published: April 2006

Formaldehyde is a common contact allergen. The prognosis of formaldehyde‐sensitive patients is generally considered to be bad because of Widespread exposure to formaldehyde. 11 patients with eczema and a positive patch test to formaldehyde were interviewed by a dermatologist and a toxicologist/chemist and instructed to fill in a questionnaire on exposure to chemical products. The contact of formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers in such products was examined using the database of the Danish Product Register (PROBAS) and by supplemental inquiries of manufacturers or importers. All the patients used one or more products containing formaldehyde or formaldehyde releasers. Sources of exposure were cosmetics and personal cure products, dishwashing liquids, water‐bused paints, photographic products, etc, Patients were advised to use alternatives to those products containing formaldehyde or formaldehyde releases. The status of 10 out of the 11 patients' eczema at fellow‐up was about 1/3 healed, 1/3 improved and in 1/3 no change. When the relevance of positive patch test reactions to formaldehyde was based on information obtained on exposure, a very high rate of current relevance was found. Computerized data on product composition allows the Screening Of products for contact allergens and also generates lists of contact allergens indicated for patch testing, based on the patients' own products.
Contact sensitivity to flavourings and perfumes in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Abifadel R. , Mortureux P. , Perromat M. , Ducombs G. , Taier A.
Published: April 2006

16 children with atopic dermatitis and 4 nonatopics were skin tested with flavourings and perfumes. Immediate reactions to balsam of Peru and fragrance‐mix were found in 9 atopics, and none among nonatopics. An irriant is more probable than an immunologic mechanism. Allergen solutions should probably be assayed at a lower concentration in atopic patients. This study points to a possible aggravating factor from perfumes and flavourings ingested, inhaled, or used as Cosmetics
Oscar Wilde's skin disease: allergic contact dermatitis?
Authors: Nater J. P
Published: April 2006

During the last years of his life, Oscar Wilde (1856–1900) suffered from a suppurating otitis media as well as from an unidentified skin disease. The eruption was localized to his face, arms, chest and buck and itched severely. A new theory is suggested, bused on the fact that Wilde almost certainly used a dye to conceal his rapidly praying hair. He sensitized himself to p‐phenylenediamine and developed A stubborn allergic contact dermatitis. Patch testing, the only proof of such a diagnosis, had not yet been devised.
Contact dermatitis from metallic palladium in patients reacting to palladium chloride
Authors: de Fine Olivarius F. , Menné T.
Published: April 2006

1370 consecutive patients were patch tested with PdCl2 1% pet. 32 patients were positive; 29 also showed reaction to NiSO4, 470 patients were additionally tested with a metallic palladium disc 3 had a positive reaction, and none of them reacted to PdCl2 or NiSO4 pet. A positive patch test to PdCl2, pet is in most cases probably due to a cross‐reaction with nickel in mikel‐sensitive subjects. Patients positive to PdCl2 tolerate skin Contact with metallic palladium.
Allergic contact dermatitis from the preservative 1,2‐benzisothiazolin‐3‐one (1,2‐BIT; Proxel®): a case report, its prevalence in those occupationally at risk and in the general dermatological population, and its relationship to allergy to its analogue Kathon® CG
Authors: Damstra Robert J. , van Vloten Willem A. , van Ginkel Cornelis J. W.
Published: April 2006

Occupational contact allergy to 1,2‐benzisothiazolin‐3‐one (1,2‐BIT, proxel®) is analysed. This compound is widely used in industry as a preservative in water based solutions such as pastes, paints and cutting oils. The optimal concentration for patch testing proved to 0.4 g/1 (0.04%) in water. In 4 out of 17 patients (23%) at occupational risk (painters paper‐hangers), contact allergy to 1,2‐BIT was found. Of 556 consecutive dermatological patients without clear occupational risk, 10 (1.8%) showed positive patch tests to 1,2‐BIT; in 3 patients, 1,2‐BIT Gontact allergy was related to domestic paper‐hanging. Although the chemical structure of l,2‐BIT 1 shows some analogy with the preservative Kathon® CG. true cross‐sensitivity was found to be unlikely
Irritant cutaneous reactions to N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP)
Authors: Leira Hakos L. , Tiltnse Arne , Svendsen Kristin , Vetlesen Lars
Published: April 2006

Several workers in small electrotechnical company in Norway experienced irritant reactions of the skin ‐after a few days of working with the solvent N‐methyl2‐pyrrolidone (NMP). Due to concern about the health risk of commonly‐used organic solvents, the company had chosen to use NMP when one of its products had to be treated with a solvent. After 2 days of work with NMP, 10 of the 12 involved workers displayed acute irritant contact dermatitis of the hands. According to published reports. NMP is not considered to be particularly irritant to the skin. The Safety Data Sheet of a Norwegian sales firm contained no information on cutaneous hazards, but the Safety Data Sheet of an American producer of NMP stated the risk of severe dermatitis upon prolonged contact. NMP seems to more irritant to the human skin than reported thus far.
Monitoring of skin response to sodium lauryl sulphate: clinical scores versus bioengineering methods
Authors: van Neste D. , de Brouwer B.
Published: April 2006

The present trial was designed to evaluate clinical scores (single observer) of sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS)‐induced skin irritation in a group of subjects (n =10) over a 10‐day period along with various skin function parameters. In order to avoid significant variations due to secondary phenomena, the following parameters were recorded with non‐invasive instruments in this order: skin capacitance (Cl; arbitrary units; CM420 Corneometer), transepidermal water loss (TEWL:, g/m2. H: Evaporimeter) and laser Doppler fowmetry (CBFV: cutaneous blood flow values; Periflux. All examinations were performed during water on reclined relaxed subjects present for at least 10 min in a test, room with controlled temperature und relative humidity (to: 19.5–20.70 C and RH: 47.3 60.3%). The analysis of differential data (∂=value at tx‐value before test; 2‐way ANOVA) was made on single parameters as a function of site (volar forearm versus neck) and time (from 24 h after 48‐h occlusion with 5% SLS up to 10 days later). The profile of erythema scores over time differed between neck and forearm, but the ∂CBFV readings with the laser Doppler instrument did not detect significant site‐time interactions. Roughness (blind evaluation with palpating finger) and capacitance readings (∂CI) showed significant differences between sites, but the profile over time was similar in both locations. ∂TEWL did not differ according to anatomical location. The reason (or different erythema scores on neck and forearm might be related to inherent regional variation of optical properties of the skin or to a substantial contribution of SLS‐induced roughness to the readings of erythema. Indeed, such a discrepancy has already been reported with 10% SLS, and a significant dose effect was observed between 5 and 10% SLS. indicating that these observations were not due to a saturation of the skin vascular response quantified as CBFV. Hence, the influence of optical phenomena on clinical scorings might be worth further consideration.
Patch test reactions to metal salts in patients with oral mucosal lesions associated with amalgam restorations
Authors: Nordlind Klas , Liden Sture
Published: April 2006

Patch testing with various metal salts was performed in patients with oral mucosal lesions associated with amalgam restorations, by using polypropylene‐coated aluminium discs Positive reactions to mercuric chloride were obtained in 5/12 (42%) of these patients, but only in 1/11 patients (9%) with oral mucosal lesions unassociated with amalgam restorations and in 3/36 patients (8%)in control group without mucosal lesions. The difference between the former group and the control patients is statistically significant (p< 0.05) In addition, a positive test reaction to copper sulfate was obtained in 2 patients (16%) with amalgam‐associated mucosal lesions and negative reactions to mercuric chloride. 2 of the 5 positive test reactions to mercuric chloride, in the patients with lichenoid mucosal lesions associated with amalgam, became lichenoid and persisted for at lease 3 weeks. The patients with these reactions were also positive at a concentration of 0.05% mercuric chloride, but were‐negative to metallic mercury, in contrast lo 2 other patients in the same group. This indicates the necessity of including mercuric chloride when patch testing such patients.
Evaluation of skin irritancy of sodium lauryl sulphate: a comparative study between the replica method and visual evaluation
Authors: Kawai Kehchi , Nakagawa Mikio , Kawai Jun , Kawai Kyozo
Published: April 2006

For 20 years, using the replica method, we have evaluated the Stun irritancy of about 10.0UO commercial products which come into contact with the skin. In this method, test substances are usually applied on the flexor side of the upper arm for 24 h by semi‐open patch test. Subsequently, skin replicas are taken and skin irritancy is evaluated microscopically. In the semi‐open patch test, test substances are not completely occluded as in the closed patch test. Thus, this method is less invasive than the closed patch test method to the tested subjects, In this study, we investigated the sensitivity of microscopic scoring (MS) of the replica and visual scoring (VS) of the skin. Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) at 0.02%, 0.05% and 0.2% was applied on 20 subjects' upper arms., using closed and semi‐open methods. In both the closed patch test and the semi‐open patch test, the value of MS correlated with the concentration of SLS, while VS did not show such a clear correlation. In addition, we compared 2 clinical tests for skin irritancy which are commonly performed in Japan: VS of 48 h closed patch test reaction on the subjects' upper bucks and MS of 24 h semi‐open patch test reaction on the subjects' upper arms (replica method). MS on the upper arms resulted in a constant score, regardless of the location of application, while VS on the upper back produced results which differed widely depending on the location. Thus, the replica method is B useful clinical test for skin irritancy. because it is sensitive, reproducible and non‐invasive.
Results of routine patch testing of 834 patients in Turin
Authors: Castiglioni G. , Carosso A. , Manzoni S. , Nebiolo F. , Bugiani M.
Published: April 2006

834 consecutive patients (630 female), aged between 26 and 46 years, who wort suspected of having allergic contact dermatitis were patch tested with the GIRDCA standard series during 1989–1990. The most frequent sensitizers observed included nickel sulphate, cobalt. Kathon® CG, perfumes, potassium dichromate and balsam of Peru. We have evaluated the influence of individual factors such its sex, age and occupation on the patch test remits, and the coexistence of 2 or more unrelated but statistically significant sensitivities.
Nickel, cobalt and chromium in consumer products: a role in allergic contact dermatitis?
Authors: Basketter D. A. , Briatico‐Vangosa G. , Kaestner W. , Lally C. , Bontinck W. J.
Published: April 2006

In spite of the improved awareness of the potential for nickel, cobalt and chromium to en use skin allergy, the incidence of serialization to them is generally on the increase, especially for nickel. We review data from the literature and industry on transition metal contamination of consumer products and assess the hazard to man. Consumer products are defined as personal care items and detergent/cleaning products used regularly in domestic York. The analytical data demonstrate that consumer products are a relatively minor source of contact with nickel, cobalt or chromium. The traces found in consumer products will not be the primary cause of sensitization to these metals: levels will be too low and exposure too brief. A person sensitized to these metals has many other more significant sources of daily contact such as earrings, jewellery and metal objects. It is therefore necessary to focus on decreasing the high exposure to these transition metals from other sources rather than on possible trace amounts found in consumer products. Current good manufacturing practice ensures that trace nickel, cobalt and chromium concentrations in consumer products are less than 5 ppm of each metal, it is recommended that this be accepted as a standard for maximum concentrations and that the target should be to achieve concentrations as low as 1 ppm.
Occupational allergic contact dermatitis from mercury
Authors: Kanerva Lasse , Komulainen Mirja , Estlander Tulla , Jolanki Riitta
Published: April 2006

Occupational allergic contact dermatitis from metallic mercury is rare. Here we present the only 2 patients with relevant occupational mercury allergy detected at our clinic since 1974. The first patient was a dental nurse who became sensitized to metallic mercury from amalgam when handling uncured amalgam without protective gloves. The second patient had previously been sensitized to mercury from topical medicaments and developed work‐related dermatitis when a mercury thermometer was broken at her place of work. Both patients had a positive patch test reaction to metallic mercury.
Contact allergy to ophthalmic dipivalyl epinephrine hydrochloride: demonstration by patch testing
Authors: Gaspari Anthony A
Published: April 2006

A patient presented with a 3‐month history of conjunctivitis and periocular eczema. He had a 3‐year history of glaucoma and was being treated with 3 different locally applied eyedrops (Timoptic (timolol maleate) ophthalmic solution 0.25%, Pilocar (pilocarpine) ophthalmic solution 1%. and Propine (dipivalyl epinephrine hydrochloride) ophthalmic solution 0.1%). Patch testing with all 3 undiluted eyedrop solutions revealed a reaction only to Propine eyedrops. Patch testing to the individual components of Propine eyedrops revealed an allergic reaction to 0.5%, dipivalyl epinephrine hydrochloride that was apparent on the 2nd patch test reading. After discontinuing the Propine eyedrops, the conjunctivitis as well as the periocular dermatitis resolved, proving that the positive patch tests were relevant to both. It was reported that re‐exposure to dipivalyl epinephrine hydrochloride by intra‐ocular challenge was necessary to diagnose this allergy. This is the first demonstration of dipivalyl epinephrine hydrochloride allergy by patch testing. Since the 1st patch test reading (2 days) was weak. 2nd patch test (4 days) readings may be important in diagnosing this allergy by patch testing.
Contact dermatitis and contact sensitization among enamellers and decorators in the ceramics industry
Authors: Motolese Alberico , Truzzi Mara , Giannini Adriana , Seidenari Stefanaia
Published: April 2006

126 enamellers and 64 decorators from 5 factories underwent dermatological and allergological examination using occupational test series in order to evaluate the prevalence of dermatitis and contact sensitization and to identify the most important sensitized substances 48 workers (corresponding to 25.26”, of the study population) were sensitized with a total of 55 positive patch tests. Dermatitis was present in 22 workers, whereas 44 subjects claimed to have had skin lesions in the past. We found 17 positivities to specific substances: 7 to red iron oxide: 2 in antimony trioxide. manganese dioxide and maleic anhydride; and I lo red copper oxide, cadmium chloride, vanadium pentoxide and sodium tripolyphosphate.
Release of thiurams and carbamates from rubber gloves
Authors: Knudsen B. B. , Larsen E. , Eusgaard H. , Menne T.
Published: April 2006

A method for quantitative determination of thiuram and carbamate derivatives released From rubber gloves into synthetic sweat is presented, The analysis was based upon determination of ester derivatives using gas‐Chromatography/mass spectrometry and isotope‐dilution. The detection limit was 0.1 mg thiuram. carbamate in 200 ml synthetic sweat (0.5 ppm). The release of thiurams and carbamates from 5 household and 5 surgical types of gloves into synthetic sweat was determined. Each of the natural rubber gloves released varying amounts of thiurams (0 4.3 mgl as well as carbamates (0–8.1 mg). 22 thiuram‐sensitized patients were patch tested with pieces of the gloves. Gloves releasing considerable amounts of thiurams and or carbamates seemed lo cause more positive patch le.st reactions in these patients than gloves releasing smaller amounts. Surgical gloves made from natural rubber caused a substantial larger number of positive patch test reactions than household gloves made from natural rubber. The amounts released per cm2 of the gloves were of the same order of magnitude as the content per cm2 patch test of thiuram mix, diluted 1:10. The accessibility of a quantitative, chemical analysis for thiurams and carbamates released from rubber gloves makes it reasonable to ask for declarations of rubber gloves. Proposals for threshold values for release of thiurams and carbamates from rubber gloves may be given in the future.
Allergic contact dermatitis due to a Chinese orthopaedic solution Tieh Ta Yao Gin
Authors: Lee T. Y. , Lam T. H.
Published: April 2006

3 cases of contact dermatitis due to a Chinese herbal orthopaedic solution Tieh Ta Yao Gin and its putative ingredients are reported. Patch testing demonstrated allergy to mastic and myrrh. natural gum resins widely used in traditional Chinese medicine to relieve pain and swelling due to traumatic injury.
Prevalence and sources of occupational contact sensitization to acrylates in Italy
Authors: Guerra Liliana , Vincenzi Colombina , Maria Peluso Anna , Tosti Antonella
Published: April 2006

Acrytaie‐based products are widely utilised in the indusiriali/cd world and in the domestic environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and sources of occupational contact scnsitization lo aerylales in a selected population. Between January 1987 and April 1992, 82 patients suspected of occupational acrylic sensitization were patch tested with the GIRDCA standard series and an extensive acrylate series. Over this 5‐year period, we detected sensid/ation to acrylates in 13.4% of cases. Dental materials and anaerobic sealants were ihe most important sources of acrylate sensitLzalion. Among acrylic monomers, ethylene glycol ditnethacrylate was the most frequent contact sensitix.er in our study. Acrytate additives were also important sources of contact dermatitis in our patients. Although [he clinical picture of airborne contact dermatitis due to acrykites has rarely been reported in the literature, it was commonly observed in our patients.
The sensitizing potency of Euxyl® K 400 and its components 1,2‐dibromo‐2,4‐dicyanobutane and 2‐phenoxyethanol
Authors: Hausen B. M.
Published: April 2006

Using a modified FCA (Freund's complete adjuvant) procedure, the sensitizing capacity of Euxyl K® 400 and its ingredients, 1,2‐dibromo‐2.4‐dicyanobutane and 2‐phenoxyethanol, has been studied in guinea pigs. The experiments demonstrate that a distinct but weak sensitizing potency exists for Euxyl® K 400 and dibromodicyanobutane. Phenoxyethanol remained almost negative. These results are in good accordance with the low number of cases of allergic contact dermatitis due to Euxyl® K 400 and dibromodicyanobutane described since their introduction on the market. Cases of phenoxyethanol contact allergy have been published hitherto only 4× in the medical literature.
Allergic contact dermatitis from natural latex without contact urticaria
Authors: Wyss M. , Elsner P. , Wüthrich B. , Burg G.
Published: April 2006

During the test decade, there have been many reports of immediate‐type hypersensitivity to natural latex, resulting in contact urticaria, generalized allergic read ions such as urticaria and Quincke's edema, and asthmatic or anaphylactic reactions. Moreover, delayed‐type hypersensitivity to rubber additives such as thiuram and carbamate derivatives is acknowledged to be the main cause of dermatitis in patients working with rubber gloves. We here report on a patient who developed severe dermatitis on his hands and forearms 3 months after he had started working with rubber gloves. Patch tests with rubber additives, skin prick tests and RAST to natural latex were negative. However, a delayed type of hypersensitivity to latex could be shown by a positive patch test. To our knowledge this is the 1st case reported of an isolated contact dermatitis from natural latex without contact urticaria to latex or hypersensitivity to rubber additives. We therefore propose that not only patch tests with rubber additives, hut also skin prick and patch tests with latex should be performed in contact dermatitis patients working with rubber gloves.
The performance of specialized collections of bisphenol A epoxy resin system components in the evaluation of workers in an occupational health clinic population
Authors: Linn Holness D. , Nethercott James R.
Published: April 2006

Epoxy resin of the bisphenol A type (ERBA) is a common cause of occupational contact dermatitis. 167 patients with a history of potential exposure were patch tested with epoxy resin (molecular weight 340) (ERBAM) 1% in pet, and with a number of other ingredients in FRBA systems. 18% of the test patients exhibited a positive response to ERBAM. Phenyl glycidyl ether was the most frequent system component other than ERBAM itself to elicit a positive response (6.1%). Approximately 80% of those tested were unresponsive to ERBAM or any other of the system components, while 20% exhibited a positive response to one or more of the test materials. Only a small % were positive to system materials, but negative to ERBAM, in keeping with previous studies. The study suggests that there is a marginal benefit to testing with other than ERBAM 1% except in instances where there is known exposure to another ERBA system ingredient, in which event, the patient should also be tested with the specific material to which they have been exposed if there is no response to ERBAM.
The allergenicity of glycerol esters and other esters of rosin (colophony)
Authors: Ping Shao Lt , Gäfvert Elisabeth , Karlberg Ann‐Therése , Nilsson Ulrika , Nilsson J. Lars G.
Published: April 2006

To investigate whether esterification of rosin with polyalcohols changes its allergenic potential. abietic acid, the main component of rosin, was esterified with glycerol at high temperature. The major product formed was isolated and identified, using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). infra‐red IR) and mass spectrometry (MS) analyses, as glyceryl triabietate (GTA), an ester between one glycerol molecule and 3 abietic acid molecules. According to animal experiments GTA was not allergenic and no cross‐reactivity was seen to allergens in unmodified rosin, when testing patients allergic to unmodified rosin, no reactions were found to GTA. Some of the patients reacted to glycerol‐ and pentaerythritol‐esterified rosins. According to HPLC analyses, these esterified rosins still contained unmodified material to which the patients may have reacted. It seems that the esterification of rosin with poly alcohols such as glycerol reduces its allergenic activity, possibly because of the formation of much larger molecules with reduced bioavailability. However, making methyl esters of rosin causes little alteration in the molecular weights of the components and. when unmodified and methylated rosin were tested in patients, we saw no difference between the 2 forms.