bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Skin problems in workers using visual display terminals A study of 201 patients
Authors: Berg M.
Published: April 2006

201 patients with skin problems caused in their own opinion by working with visual display terminals (VDTs) were referred and examined. 18% claimed that their condition improved overnight and 21% that it did so over the weekend. In 25 patients, the skin problems occurred mainly on the cheek turned towards the VDT. Half the patients had rosacea, but their subjective skin symptoms were generally more severe than those in ordinary cases of rosacea, i.e., severe pain, itching and burning. The rest of the patients mainly had common facial dermatoses such as seborrhoeic eczema, acne vulgaris and atopic dermatitis. The patients’ skin types, judged by their response to ultraviolet light, did not differ from those of a control population. 18% had non‐specific skin problems, e.g., itching and redness. This latter group of patients most closely resembles those cases previously described amongst VDT‐workers. An attempt to correlate skin problems with VDTs’ electrostatic field strength was unsuccessful because of difficulties in eliminating it. Of 52 electrostatic shields placed in front of patients’ VDTs, 38 were defective and 9 were wrongly earthed. The prevalence of migraine‐like headache was 40%, which is much higher than in a control population. There was no great use of cosmetics by the study population When followed up after an average of 8 months, 2/3 of the patients had fewer skin complaints. The question of whether the prevalence of skin problems in general is higher amongst individuals using VDTs than in a control population is addressed in a current study.
The effect of solvent extraction on the lipids of the stratum corneum in relation to observed immediate whitening of the skin
Authors: Goldsmith Lisa B. , Friberg Stig E. , Wahlberg Jan E.
Published: April 2006

Irritant contact dermatitis along with an increased transepidermal water loss can result from exposing the skin to solvents. A study of the interaction of various solvents with human stratum corneum was made using thin‐layer chromatography. Comparison of 10 solvents (trichloroethylene, toluene, dimethylsulfoxide, n‐hexane, 1‐2‐propanediol, carbon tetrachloride, methyl ethyl ketone, ethanol, acetone, distilled water) showed that 3 solvents (dimethylsulfoxide, 1,2 propanediol, distilled water) did not extract lipids from intact human stratum corneum. The findings are discussed in relation to the visual appearance of skin (whitening) after exposure to solvents.
Some neuropeptides as modulators of experimental contact allergy
Authors: Wallengren Joanna , Möller Halvor
Published: April 2006

The role of some peptides in allergic contact dermatitis was investigated. The neuropeptides: substance P (SP), vasoactivc intestinal peptide (VIP) and somatostatin as well as the SP antagonist. Spantide, were injected into the same skin sites is the antigen in patients with contact allergy to nickel. The neuropeptides did not influence the eczematous reaction but spantide diminished it. This might speak for a pathogenetic role of SP in allergic, contact dermatitis.
Contact sensitivity to oak moss
Authors: Gonçalo S. , Cabral F. , Goncalo M.
Published: April 2006

Oak muss allergy was the principle allergen in contact sensitivity to perfumes (45%); 31 patients reading to oak moss were studied. The sensitivity was attributed to contact with perfumes in 20, lichens in 7 and unknown in 4. Atranorin was the most frequent allergen, followed by usnic, evernic and fumarprotocetraric acids. Concomitant allergy occurred to several lichen acids and also to balsam of Peru, colophony and other fragrance component.
Rubber contact urticaria
Authors: Turjanmaa Kristhna , Laurila Kaija , Mäkinen‐Kiljunen Soili , Reunala Timo
Published: April 2006

To compare the immediate skin test reactivity of various latex (natural rubber) surgical and cleaning gloves. prick tests were performed on 40 latex‐allergic persons, 26 of whom were sensitized by surgical and 14 by cleaning latex gloves. 6/17 surgical gloves tested and 1/2 cleaning gloves caused positive reactions in almost all (over 87%) of the allergic subjects. In contrast. the frequencies of positive reactions to 4 other surgical latex gloves were us low as 8–21%, suggesting that not all surgical gloves arc equally allergenic. Control prick tests with I synthetic rubber and 1 polyvinyl chloride (PVC) glove were negative in all subjects. 2 surgical latex gloves causing either a high or low number of positive prick tests in allergic subjects were analyzed with high‐pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Similar allergenic protein fractions were detected, which showed protein peaks at MW 2000 5000 and 3000 daltons. Corresponding proteins were detected in I latex cleaning glove analyzed and in natural rubber. This result confirms that allergnic proteins persist in various surgical and cleaning latex gloves after manufacture from natural rubber and may cause contact, urticaria symptoms toms in sensitized people.
Occupational allergic contact dermatitis from anaerobic acrylic sealants
Authors: Condeé‐Salazar L. , Guimaraens D. , Romero L. V.
Published: April 2006

Anaerobic sealants are acrylates that pulymerize in the absence of oxygen. They are used principally in the engineering and electronic industries. Their use can cause occupational dermatitis in the workers who handle them. In this work, we report our experience with 6 patients who presented with allergic contact dermatitis to these sealants.
Trends in allergic contact sensitization
Authors: Gollhausen Rainer , Enders Friedemann , Przybilla Bernhard , Burg Günter , Ring Johnannes
Published: April 2006

A standard patch test series was tested for 7 years (1977–1983) in a total of 11,962 patients. The annual frequency of positive reactions to the compounds tested was assessed for the total and for males and females separately. During the observation period, there were significant increases in positive reactions in the total group from 6.2% to 12.7% for nickel sulphate. from 5,3% lo 7.0% fur balsam of Peru and from 3.8% to 6.5% for potassium dichromate, reflecting significant changes in both sexes. The frequency of positive reactions to wool alcohols, formaldehyde, neomycin sulphate, paraben mix and gentamycin sulphate significantly increased, while that of positive reactions to clioquinol, mercuric chloride arid turpentine peroxide significantly decreased in cither males or females, sometimes leading to significantly changes in the total group.
Bioengineering and the patch test
Authors: Berardesca E. , Maibach H. I.
Published: April 2006

Several non‐invasive techniques based on different physical principles have been developed to investigate skin function and have been used for patch test assessment. In the present paper, the advantages and the defects of these methods are described in the light of the more recent data available in literature. Meanwhile, the eye and the fingers still remain the simplest method to assess skin irritancy. Bioengineering techniques could provide efficient recording systems for monitoring skin color, skin blood flow and barrier function damage, useful to the investigator rather than to the clinician.
Contact dermatitis from N‐(α‐chlorobenzylidene)phenylhydrazine
Authors: Rothe Axel
Published: April 2006

N‐(α‐chlorobenzylidene) phenylhydrazine (AC) is both a strong irritant and a powerful sensitizer. 5 out of 6 people at risk fell ill after only once coming into contact with this halogenated hydrazine derivative. As in the first report concerning this problem the compound was used to train chemistry students.
Experimentally‐induced irritant contact dermatitis
Authors: Willis Carolyn M. , Stephens Catherine J. M. , Wilkinson J. D.
Published: April 2006

Patch testing with 7 irritants has been performed on a panel of 42 health volunteers, with the aim of determining concentrations which would induce mild to moderate reactions in at least 75% of individuals tested. The irritants studied and their optimum concentrations were as follows: benzalkonium chloride, 0.5%; sodium lauryl sulphate, 5%; croton oil, 0.8%; dithranol, 0.02%; nonanoic acid, 80%; propylene glycol, 100%; sodium hydroxide, 2%. Responder rates lower than 75% had to be accepted for benzalkonium chloride and sodium hydroxide in order to prevent overly severe reactions, whilst propylene glycol proved to have only marginal irritant properties.
Contact allergy to a cyclohexanone resin in humans and guinea pigs
Authors: Bruze M. , Boman A. , Bergqvist‐Karlsson A. , Björkner B. , Wahlberg J. E. , Voog E.
Published: April 2006

5 patients with allergic contact dermatitis caused by various paints were demonstrated to be sensitive to a cyclohexanone resin (C‐R) present in the paints. Sensitization studies in guinea pigs with C‐R and cyclohexanone showed one batch of C‐R to be a sensitizer.
Zinc effects on nickel dermatitis in the guinea pig*
Authors: Warner Ronald D. , Dorn C. Richard , Blakeslee James R. , Gerken Diane F. , Gordon John C. , Angrick Elisabeth J.
Published: April 2006

Prevention of NiSO4 induced allergic, contact dermatitis (ACD) using ZnSO4 in drinking water was studied in a guinca pig model Without ZnSO4 intervention, nickel (Ni)‐exposure resulted in significantly higher (p<0.05) stimulation indices (SIs) as compared to non‐exposed controls, using NiSO4 as an allergen in the lymphocyte transformation test (LTT). Oral intake of ZnSO4 at both 250 μg/ml double‐distilled deionized water (DDD) and 500 μg/ml DDD resulted in lower SIs than those of control guinea pigs drinking only DDD: the 250 μg ZnSO4/ml group had significantly lower Sis than (p= 0.025) than controls. There was no significant correlation between intradermal test responses and the SI values of individual guinea pigs exposed to NiSo4 Mean Zinc (Zn) concentrations in skin and in whole blood were not statistically different between the NiSO4 exposed control and Zn supplemented groups, nor between Ni‐sensitive and non‐sensitive animals within groups. The rôle of Zn homeostasis role of the Langerhans cell, effect of Zn supplementation on Ni ACD in other species, and possible blocking effects of other metals should be investigated in future studies.
Patch testing with a mixture of 2 phenol‐formaldehyde resins
Authors: Bruze Magnus
Published: April 2006

1310 patients were routinely patch tested with a paratertiary‐butylphenol‐formaldehyde resin (PTBP‐F‐R), a resol resin based on phenol and formaldehyde (P‐F‐R‐2), and a mixture of these 2 resins. Approximately 2.5 times more patients with contact allergy to phenol‐formaldehyde resins were diagnosed when routinely patch tested with P‐F‐R‐2 in addition to PTBP‐F‐R. Although patch testing with a mixture of both resins was not as good as patch testing with the 2 resins; separately, it was better than testing only with PTBP‐F‐R, since 1.6 times more patients with contact allergy to phenol‐formaldehyde resins were still diagnosed. P‐F‐R‐2 is therefore recommended for routine patch testing, preferably as a separate patch test but otherwise as a mixture with PTBP‐F‐R.
Sodium – lauryl – sulphate – induced cutaneous irritation
Authors: Berardesca E. , Maibach H. I.
Published: April 2006

Reactivity of white and hispanic skin after exposure to sodium tauryl sulphate (SLS) has been investigated. The tests were performed on the back as follows: untreated skin, skin pre‐treated with short‐term occlusion and delipidized skin. Irritant reactions were induced by applying 0.5% and 2.0% SLS via Finn chamber patch tests and monitored by means of laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV), transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and stratum corneum water content (WC). Higher TEWL, LDV and WC were recorded for 2.0% SLS when compared to 0.5% SLS and baselines. Differences between while and hispanic skin reactivity were recorded. TEWL and WC responses showed a greater sensitivity in hispanics possibly reflecting a different modulation of the water burner function after chemical exposure. On the other hand, the microcirculatory response, as long as detected with LDV, was similar in the 2 groups. Correlations between these data and findings observed in other races are discussed.
Immediate contact reactions to benzoic acid and the sodium salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid Comparison of various skin sites
Authors: Larmi E , Lahti A. , Hannuksela M.
Published: April 2006

Benzocc acid (BA) and the sodium salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (NaPCA) were tested in 13 healthy persons to obtain information about, firstly, the irritant properties of NaPCA and, secondly. the reactivity of various skin sites. BA at 16, 8, and 4 mM pet., anil NaPCA at 50, 25, 12.5, and 6.25% in water, were applied to the forehead, check, neck and upper back Erythema reatt.imis were observed visually, and the changes in ihe skin blood How were monitored using a laser‐Floppier flowmeter. BA at 16 mM mcreused Wood flow on the cheek of 12 tesl subjects, and on the neck, forehead and upper back of 6 subjects, but S and 4 mM BA elicited reactions only on the cheek. NaPCA caused reactions on the upper back of 3 test subjects only, but not on oilier test sites.
The immunology of Contact dermatitis
Authors: Thestrup‐Pedersen Kristian , Larsen Christian Grønhøj , Rønnevig Jørgen
Published: April 2006

This review summarizes current knowledge of the pathophysiological events which lie behind the development of contact dermatitis. The clinical distinction between allergic and irritant eczema is discussed. New observations are evaluated on our understanding of how allergic and irritant eczema may in many respects be similar, evolving through common physiological pathways of immune inflammation.
Contact lens intolerance; allergic conjunctivitis?
Authors: Podmore Pat , Storrs Frances Judy
Published: April 2006

20 patients complaining of contact lens intolerance were patch tested to a contact lens solution and a contact lens components battery. Contact urticaria testing was also carried out. 8 patients had positive delayed reactions on patch testing, 6 patients had positive contact urticaria reactions, and 9 patients had no reactions. These results are discussed and possible alternative diagnoses for the 9 undiagnosed patients are proposed.
Intradermal testing in doubtful cases of contact allergy to metals
Authors: Möller Halvor
Published: April 2006

Among 1670 consecutively patch tested patients an intradermal test with chromium, cobalt and nickel was added in 66 cases. There were three indications for intradermal testing: 1) the patch test reaction at 72 h was difficult to interpret; among 49 patients with one or more doubtful reactions a metal allergy was confirmed in 24 and rejected in 54. 2) ten patients with a negative patch test in spite of a positive history of metal allergy; among these, one was positive to cobalt, two to nickel and the other seven negative. 3) seven patients checked for a previously diagnosed allergy; a metal allergy was confirmed in four. Intradermal testing is recommended for confirmation of doubtful patch test reactions, particularly to disclose false positive reactions to metals.
Patch tests with occupational contactants in nurses, doctors and dentists
Authors: Rudzki Edward , Rebandel Pawel , Grzywa Zdzislawa
Published: April 2006

In this study, 333 nurses, 92 dentists and 167 doctors were investigated. Most positive patch tests obtained were unrelated to occupation. Nurses were most often sensitized to penicillins and, of the disinfectants, formaldehyde was the commonest cause of occupational dermatitis. Among dentists, the most common occupational allergens were eugenol and mercuric chloride. Among surgeons, as compared with physicians, there were frequent reactions to mercuric chloride and balsam of Peru, and a higher number of positive patch tests with other contactants. Among those sensitized to chromium, 4 doctors found that contact with chromic catgut was harmful. 6 other doctors were intolerant to surgical gloves. A number of nurses and doctors had an irritant contact dermatitis from chlorhexidine.
Baseline transepidermal water loss (TEWL) as a prediction of susceptibility to sodium lauryl sulphate
Authors: Tupker Ron A. , Coenraads Pieter‐Jan , Pinnagoda Jaliya , Nater Johan P.
Published: April 2006

The rôle of different factors in the susceptibility of the skin to weak irritants was studied by means of multiple linear regression models. The skin of 37 healthy subjects was exposed to a solution of sodium lauryl sulphate of low molarity 2 × daily for 4 days. The condition of the skin was evaluated by transepidermal water loss (TEWL) measurements on the 1st day (before exposure, TEWL1) and on the 5th day of exposure (TEWL5), and by a visual scoring system. The TEWL5 value was strongly related to the TEWL1 value (R = 0.71). The influence of such factors as history of mucosal atopy, history of sensitivity to soap, dry skin, skin type, sex and age on the TEWL5 value was negligible. The baseline TEWL level (TEWL1) might be a reliable indication of an individual's susceptibility to weak irritants.
Photoallergic contact dermatitis due to mineral oil
Authors: Sakakibara Shigeru , Kawabe Yoko , Mizuno Nobuyuki
Published: April 2006

A 39‐year‐old metal polishing mechanic had had an acute‐on‐chronic eczematous eruption on sun‐exposed skin for 2 years. It improved in winter. He had been using an insoluble oil, CRT 20®, as a cutting oil for 20 years. The cutting oil itself and mineral oil, which was one of its ingredients, showed positive reactions on photopatch testing. The difference action spectrum with or without mineral oil application, assessed at 48 h, ranged from 300 to 350 nm, with a peak at 320 nm. This is the 1st report of photoallergic contact dermatitis due to mineral oil.
Contact allergy due to colophony
Authors: Hausen B. M. , Mohnert J.
Published: April 2006

The results of patch tests with colophony in the standard series between 1983 and 1987 were analyzed. 5521 patients were tested in the Department of Dermatology, Hamburg, while 354 were tested in other clinics and private practices. Colophony was positive in 2.4% and 11.9%, respectively. Out of 62 patients in the 1st group and 75 in a 2nd group tested subsequently with 6 unmodified types of colophony and 12 types of modified–colophony products, 17 did not react to the unmodified material. However, most of them responded to 1 or more of the modified products. In the enlarged group (n=75), reactions to Abitol® and the maleic–modified products were the most frequently obtained. As the authors are convinced that the actual incidence of allergic reactions to modified–colophony products is underestimated, they propose to test a mixture of 3 materials: Chinese colophony (today 50% of the world market) and 2 derivatives (modified colophony), instead of the 60% mix of unmodified colophony, in the standard series.
Sunflower allergy On the constituents of the trichomes of Helianthus annuus L. (Compositae)
Authors: Hausen B. M. , Spring O.
Published: April 2006

Sesquiterpene lactones (STL) of the sunflower, occurring in fragile multicellular capitate glandular hairs, have been shown to display a remarkable sensitizing capacity when investigated by experimental sensitization in guinea pigs. The strongest response was induced by the hemiketal form of l‐O‐methyl‐4, 5‐dihydroniveusin A. The STL content of 50 capitate glands was sufficient to elicit a remarkable response in the guinea pigs. Thus, touching a sunflower plant (with up to 1000 capitate glands per cm2) may lead to the release of sufficient STL to sensitize humans, and these substances can be considered to be responsible for the cases of allergic contact dermatitis described in sunflower growers since 1906.
Prediction of susceptibility to an irritant response by transepidermal water loss
Authors: Pinnagoda Jaliya , Tupker Ron A. , Coenraads Pieter J. , Nater Johan P.
Published: April 2006

The roles of the natural permeability of the stratum corneum to water, and the changes in that permeability effected by a single patch test, were investigated as parameters to predict the susceptibility of the skin to repeated exposures of an irritant. One site on the forearm skin of 27 non‐atopic healthy subjects was exposed to a 0.5% concentration of sodium lauryl sulphate by a single occlusive 24‐h patch. Another site was exposed to a twice daily 4‐day repeated occlusive patch with the same irritant solution. The effects were evaluated by transepidermal water loss measurements made prior to the applications (baseline) on day 1 (BASE), following the single 24‐h patch on day 2 (SINGL), and following the 4‐day repeated applications on day 5 (REPET). Individuals with higher BASE had higher SINGL (R= 0.80, P < 0.001) and higher REPET (R= 0.76, P < 0.001). There was also a significant linear correlation between SINGL and REPET (R= 0.63, P < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis of results, however, indicated that a high baseline TEWL is a better indication of an individual's increased susceptibility (high REPET) to weak irritants than a high TEWL value following a single 24‐h patch test. Baseline TEWL may therefore be used as a reasonably accurate preliminary “predictive” screening test for susceptibility to irritants.
Allergic contact sensitivity to quinophthalone
Authors: Komamura H. , Kozuka T. , Ishii M. , Yoshikawa K. , Iyoda M.
Published: April 2006

A 73‐year‐old patient, diagnosed as having seborrheic dermatitis, was patch tested with his hair preparations. The hair stick gave a positive reaction. Among its ingredients, D & C Yellow No. 11, from 0.0001% to 0.1%, and perfume showed positive reactions. D & C Yellow No. 11 was found to consist only of quinophthalone by chemical analyses. The concentration of quinophthalone in the hair stick was determined as 9.41 ppm w/w by high‐performance liquid chromatography.
Minimum eliciting patch test concentrations of cobalt
Authors: Allenby C. F. , Basketter D. A.
Published: April 2006

In sensitized subjects, minimum eliciting levels of cobalt were estimated using patch tests with aqueous cobalt chloride on both normal skin and on skin pretreated in various ways to enhance penetration and reactivity. 6 reacted to 10,000 ppm and 1 gave an equivocal reaction to 1000 ppm aq. cobalt. Pretreatment of the patch test site for 24 h with surfactant enhanced reactivity, reducing the minimum eliciting concentration to 1000 ppm cobalt chloride in 1 subject, to 100 ppm in 2 subjects, and in 3 subjects to 10 ppm aqueous cobalt chloride. No reactions were obtained at 1 ppm. EDTA was effective in reducing the response to aqueous cobalt.
Compound allergy to a skin marker for patch testing: a chromatographic analysis
Authors: Cox Neil H. , Moss Celia , Hannon Michael F.
Published: April 2006

We present details of a patient who was demonstrated to have contact allergy to a solution used to mark sites of application of patch tests, during investigation of allergy to gold and nickel. Negative results were obtained when patch testing was performed using the individual constituents of the marker solution (gentian violet, dihydroxyacetone and acetone). Chromatographic analysis of various combinations of these chemicals did not identify a chemical derivative which might have caused this reaction.
Chemical, pharmaceutical and clinical standardization of the TRUE Test™ caine mix
Authors: Kreilgård Bo , Hansen Jens , Fischer Torkel
Published: April 2006

The development of the caine mix patch of the TRUE Test™ involved extensive formulation work to obtain optimal release, stability and clinical function. Hydroxypropyl cellulose, ordinarily used in the TRUE Test™ induced crystallization and inadequate release of benzocaine. Addition of the crystal poison glucose caused rapid degradation of the caines. Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) proved to be a vehicle which incorporated the caines in a stable preparation on the patch. Rapid release of the caines from this vehicle when applied on membrances was confirmed by in vivo patch test studies.
Percutaneous absorption of 3 organic solvents in the guinea pig
Authors: Boman Anders , Wahlberg Jan E.
Published: April 2006

The influence of injuries on the percutaneous absorption of 3 organic solvent's (butanol, toluene, 1,1,1‐trichloroethane) was studied in the guinea pig. Acute (stripping, sandpaper abrasion, needle abrasion, delipidization) and subacute (irritant and allergic contact dermatitis) injuries were induced by physical or chemical treatment of the skin. Absorption of solvents was quantified by blood analysis. Induction of acute injuries markedly altered the absorption pattern of the solvents and correlated to their water solubility, Absorption of toluene and trichloroethane was reduced and that of butanol was increased compared to normal untreated skin Subacute injures had a less pronounced effect. Irritant and allergic contact dermatitis reduced the absorption of toluene and trichloroethane, and no effect was seen for butanol. For hydrophobic solvents, it is concluded that in acute injuries strata other than stratum corneum hold the barrier properties.
Percutaneous absorption of 3 organic solvents in the guinea pig (III). Effect of barrier creams
Authors: Boman Anders , Mellström Gunh
Published: April 2006

The efficacy of 4 barrier preparations presented as cream or foam against percutaneous absorption of organic solvents was investigated in the guinea pig. An ordinary hand cream, was also tested. Slight reduction in blood concentration of the solvents was seen when normal skin treated with barrier creams was exposed. Absorption of butanol through stripped skin treated with barrier creams was higher than absorption through skin not so treated. Barrier creams can he considered to give poor skin protection against the organic solvents investigated.
Detection of contact hypersensitivity to topical corticosteroids with hydrocortisone‐17‐butyrate
Authors: Reitamo S. , Lauerma A. I. , Förström L.
Published: April 2006

We showed earlier that most patients with contact dermatitis due to corticosteroids show cross‐reactions when patch tested with hydrocortisone‐17‐butyrate (H‐17‐B). To test whether H‐17‐B could be used for detecting topical corticosteroid allergy, we screened patients undergoing routine patch testing with H‐17‐B. Patients with clearly allergic or doubtful/mildly irritant patch test reactions to H‐17‐B, and with a history suggesting topical corticosteroid allergy, were further tested with a large panel of steroid preparations. 20 out of 4039 patients (0.5%) showed definite allergic test reactions to corticosteroids. A further 165 patients with clinically suspected corticosteroid allergy were directly tested with a panel of steroid preparations; 14 patients showed positive patch test reactions. Altogether, 33 out of 34 patients with corticosteroid allergy had positive test reactions to H‐17‐B. Inclusion of 1.0% H‐17‐B in ethanol in the standard patch test series improves the diagnosis of topical corticosteroid hypersensitivity.
Contact sensitivity to topical antimicrobials
Authors: Goh C. L.
Published: April 2006

A predictive study comparing the sensitizing potentials of some topical antimicrobials, using a modified Beuhler's technique, showed that over‐the‐counter (OTC) antimicrobials were more sensitizing than prescribed topical antibiotics, Among OTC antimicrobials, proflavine was the most potent sensitizer (4/10 guinea pigs); parachlorometaxylenol, benzalkonium chloride and propamidine isethionate moderate sensitizers (2/10 guinea pigs); iodine a weak sensitizer (1/10 guinea pigs); and chlorhexidine and cetrimide very weak sensitizer (0/10) guinea pigs). Among prescribed topical antibiotics, ncomycin was a moderate sensitizer (2/10 guinea pigs); gentamycin and chloramphenicol weak sensitizers (1/10 guinea pigs); kanamycin, clioqunol, polymyxin B, bacitracin, tetracycline, sodium fusidate and fusidic acid very weak sensitizers (0/10 guinea pigs), There was good correlation between sensitizing potentials in animal studies and clinical experience of contact allergy to these topical antimicrobials.
Heracleum mantegazzianum growth phases and furocoumarin content
Authors: Pira E. , Romano C. , Sulotto F. , Pavan I. , Monaco E.
Published: April 2006

The observation of Photocontact dermatitis from Heracleum matantegazzianion Sommier et Levier in 2 gardeners at work prompted the analysisi of furocoumarin content of stem. Leaves and fruits of the plant during a period of I year. Their concentration was found to be maximal in fruit, intermediate in leaf, and minimal in stem. Psoralen was the most prevalent substance in the leaf and bergapten in the fruit in the stem, in contrast, individual furocoumarins were found in lower bu t variable concentrations. 3 furocoumarin seasonal peaks were observed in the leaf: the maximal peak occurred in June, the intermediate in August, the minimal in November. This trend corresponds to 3 biological phases of the weed
Occupational dermatitis from Synacril Red 3B liquid (Cl Basic Red 22)
Authors: Sadhra S. , Duhra P. , Foulds I. S.
Published: April 2006

A carpet factory worker, exposed to a number of different dyes, developed a Severe hand dermatitis. The handling of warm, wet and freshly‐dyed yarn with unprotected hand was thought to have caused the onset of dermatitis Patch testing indicated that the patient was sensitive to only one of the dyes handled, namely Synacril Red 3B liquid, which is based on the single dyestuff Basic Red 22 (CI 11055). Chemical analysis revealed the dyestuff to be of high purity (>95%). suggesting that sensitization was caused by the Basic Red 22 dyestuff itself and not by an avoidable impurity.
Consequences of having hand eczema
Authors: Meding Birgitta , Swanbeck Gunnar
Published: April 2006

Consequences of hand eczema were studied in 1238 patients who had the diagnosis confirmed in a prevalence study of hand eczema in I he population of Gothenburg. It was found that 2/3 of the patients had consulted a doctor on some occasion and 1/5 had been on sick leave for their hand eczema. The mean total time on sick leave was 18.9 weeks, the median 8 weeks. Patients in service occupations reported more periods of sick leave than other occupational groups. Local steroid preparation; were used by 1/2 the patients, emollients by 85%. Change of work was reported by 8% and was most common in service occupations. Hairdressers, had the highest rate of change. 80% of the patients experienced some kind of disturbance to their social and emotional lives, considered to be caused by the hand eczema. Frequent itching was reported by 1/2 the patients, occasional itching by another 1/3. Comparing different types of hand eczema, allergic contact dermatitis seemed throughout to cause more serious consequences. It is concluded that good care of a hand eczema patient includes attention to the impact of the disease on the patient's total situation.
Primin standard patch testing: 5 years experience
Authors: Ingber A. , Menné T.
Published: April 2006

From 1 November 1984 to 1 November 1989,3075 patients (1949 female and 1126 male) were patch tested with the European standard series, including primin 0.01% pet. 57 positive reactions were obtained (1.8%). About 95% of the patients with positive patch tests were female. 60%n of the patch‐test‐positive patients were above age 60 and 35% above 70 years. The test was negative in all under the age of 20 and rarely positive under the age of 35 years. Only 2 patients had probable patch test sensitization observed 8 and 14 days after application of the test material. 41% of the patients with positive reactions had current primula dermatitis at the time of patch testing. The frequency and high degree of current relevance justify inclusion of primin in the standard series, at least in certain geographical regions. The patch test concentration of 0.01% pet. Seems to be correct.
Dermatological hazards in the electronics industry
Authors: Koh D. , Foulds I. S. , Aw T. C.
Published: April 2006

The advent of the electronics age has resulted in the rapid growth and increasing importance of the electronics industry on a global scale. The main industrial processes are Fabrication of semiconductor wafers, printed circuit boards, the assembly of semiconductor devices, printed circuit boards and the final electronic products. The process carry the risk of various work hazards, among them dermatological hazards, These include exposure to irritants and allergens during common operations such as soldering, cleaning operations, materials handling, procedures For control of static electricity and low humidity in the work environment. Even the use of protective clothing may be associated with the risk of dermatitis, In spite of the numerous dermatological hazards, the risk for work‐related skin disorders among electronics workers appears to be low when compared to other industries. However, the vast size of the electronics workforce will contribute to large numbers of workers with occupational dermatoses. Occupational health personnel responsible for factories in the electronics industry should therefore be aware of the cutaneous hazards present, and how these may lead to work‐related dermatoses.
Occupational hand eczema in an industrial city
Authors: Meding Birgitta , Swanbeck Gunnar
Published: April 2006

Hand eczema in relation to occupation was studied in an industrial city. Questionnaires were sent to 20,000 individuals aged 20–65 years, randomly selected from the population register of the city. Those subjects (1385) considering themselves to have had hand eczema within the previous 12 months were invited to a dermatological examination including patch testing. It was found that the reported 1‐year period prevalence of hand eczema in the total sample was 11.8%. The only occupational group reporting a statistically significant higher 1‐year period prevalence was service work, 15.4%. Among all occupations, cleaners turned out to have the highest period prevalence, 21.3%. Hand eczema was more common among people reporting some kind of occupational exposure. The most harmful exposure turned out to be to unspecified chemicals, water and detergents and dust and dry dirt. The use of protective gloves is reported and analyzed. The most common contact allergy was nickel, followed by cobalt, fragrance‐mix, balsam of Peru and colophony A statistically significant increase in contact allergy to colophony for women in administrative work was found. It is concluded that the type of hand eczema that is mostly dependent on occupation is irritant contact dermatitis.
Disodium cromoglycate versus diet in the treatment and prevention of nickel‐positive pompholyx
Authors: Pigatto P. D. , Gibelli E. , Fumagalli M. , Bigardi A. , Morelli M. , Altomare G. F.
Published: April 2006

In some cases that have been diagnosed as contact allergy to nickel, there are repeated cutaneous eruptions of pompholyx, even in areas with no direct contact with the metal. The possible alimentary origin of dyshidrotic eczema should be considered when deciding on therapy. We have collected the clinical data for 24 patients with dyshidrotic eczema caused by nickel, to evaluate the benefit of a low‐nickel diet versus treatment with oral disodium cromoglycate, comparing both objective and subjective symptoms. A low‐nickel diet does not improve these patients but those treated with DSCG reacted better, from both objective and subjective point of view, than either the controls or the patients treated by diet. We next did intestinal permeability tests before therapy and after 15 days of treatment. We found that nickel uptake diminishes simultaneously with the reduction of absorption through the smaller aqueous “pores”. This phenomenon was greatest alter DSCG. We suggest that DSCG can help selected cases of pompholyx.
Cross‐reaction in allergic contact dermatitis from α‐methylene‐γ‐butyrolactones: importance of the cis or trans ring junction
Authors: Schaeffer Marcel , Talage Patrice , Stampf Jean‐Luc , Benezra Claude
Published: April 2006

Cross‐reaction in allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a highly stereoselective process. The importance of the cis or trans ring junction in α‐methylene‐γ‐butyrolactones in cross‐reactivity was investigates by reacting Helenin® (mostly a mixture of natural allergenic sesquiterpene lactones alantolactone 1 and isoalantolactone 2, which present a cis ring junction) in guinea pigs sensitized to model allergenic α‐methylene‐γ‐butyolactones: cis‐bicyclin lactone 3 and trans‐bicycle lactone 4.
An epidemiological study of contact allergy to 5‐chloro‐3‐methyl isothiazolone/3‐methyl isothiazolone in Strasbourg
Authors: Foussereau J.
Published: April 2006

In Strasbourg, the incidence of allergy lo the mixture of 5‐chloro‐3‐methyl isothiazolone and 3‐methyl isothiazolone(MCI) in 540 patients (313 women and 227 men), routinely tested with this preservative as part of the standard series of allergens, was 1.11%. The frequency was 1.6% in women and 0.44% in men. A total of 6 cases of allergy, 5 in women and 1 in a man, to MCI were detected. In 5 cases out of 6, the patient was shown to have used cosmetic products containing this preservative. Finally in 5 cases out of 6, the subjects allergic to MCI also tested positively for nickel, while only 15% of the total of 540 subjects tested with MCI had a nickel allergy confirmed by patch tests.
Evaluation of a questionnaire for facial skin complaints related to work at visual display units
Authors: Berg M. , Axelson O.
Published: April 2006

A questionnaire about facial skin problems was answered by 3745 office employees, with the aim of discovering whether VDU work causes skin disease. From this group, 809 randomly selected persons were examined and interviewed by a dermatologist. There was a relatively good correspondence (87%) between the results from the interviews and the questionnaires, but the questionnaire results corresponded to current status in only 46% of the cases. No important difference was seen between those who were informed and those who were not informed about the purpose of the investigation. There was a relatively wide variation in the correlation between 2 responses to the same questions. In conclusion, the self‐administered questionnaire seems, to give reasonably adequate answers regarding the occurrence of more clear‐cut symptoms over a period of time, rather than answers regarding the presence of signs at a particular point in time. However, less marked changes might not be picked up particularly well.
The irritancy of metalworking fluids: a laser Doppler flowmetry study
Authors: de Boer E. M. , Scholten R. J. P. M. , van Ketel W. G. , Bruynzeel D. P.
Published: April 2006

Irritant contact dermatitis is common in metalworkers exposed to metalworking fluids (MWF). The irritancy of 3 commercially available water‐based cutting fluids in maximal user's concentration and 2 neat oils was investigated in 23 healthy volunteers. Additionally, the irritancy of some groups of components of the cutting fluids was studied. After Sellotape® stripping, repeated patch tests were performed over 5 days and evaluated by a visual score (VS) and by laser Doppler flowtmetry (LDF). In general, the MWF caused marginal skin irritation. In a comparison of the MWF and water, the cutting fluids were ranked higher in irritancy than the neat oils, but the effect of only one cutting fluid could he distinguished from that of water. The components of the cutting fluids also caused no strong reactions, The LDF response showed than one emulsifier was more irritant than water and according to the VS, one corrosion inhibitor WHS the most irritant. The correlation coefficient between the VS and the LDF response was probably diminished by a strong adverse reaction to the fixing tape in many volunteers. From this experiment, it was concluded that MWF are generally only mildly irritant when used in proper concentrations. However, orthoergic contact dermatitis often develops as a result of repeated and cumulative subclinical insults, in which MWK especially water‐based, play a crucial role because exposure at work is often extensive.
Contact depigmentation from free para‐tertiary‐butylphenol in bindi adhesive
Authors: Bajaj A. K. , Gupta* S. C. , Chatterjee A. K.
Published: April 2006

100 consecutive cases of contact depigmenation due to bindi during a period of 11 months were studied. Bindi adhesive material was found to contain 80% para‐tertiary‐butylphenol (PTBP), by thin‐layer chromatography, infrared Spectrophotometry and high‐pressure liquid chromatography. The possibility of hypersensitivity to PTBP was ruled out as none of the 15 patients tested with 2% PTBP and 1% para‐tertiary butylphenol resin gave any positive reactions. Development of depigmentation could have been due either to individual susceptibility or to constant use for a prolonged period. The area of contact being very small, generalised vitiligo ass a result of systemic absorption appeared to be remote possibility.
Nickel sensitivity and the course of atopic dermatitis in adulthood
Authors: Lammintausta K. , Kalimo K.
Published: April 2006

The course of dermatitis was followed in nickel‐sensitive and nickel‐negative atopic and non‐atopic patients. Manifest dermatitis was seen in 70% of the nickel‐allergic and in 64% of the nickel‐negative female atopic dermatitis (AD) patients. Those atopic subjects who had minor symptoms in their teens suffered more from dermatitis if they had developed nickel allergy (p < 0.025). Hands and the head region were the most common sites for current dermatitis in both groups.
Kathon CG and cosmetic products
Authors: Rastogi S. C.
Published: April 2006

Kathon CG was determined in 156 of the most commonly used cosmetic products in Denmark. 42% of the cosmetic products were found to contain Kathon CG. Kathon CG was present in 48% of “rinse off and 31% of “leave on” cosmetic products. The 3:1 ratio of chloromethyl isothiazolinone (CMI): methyl isothiazolinone (MI) in Kathon CG was found to be disturbed in 41% of Kathon CG preserved cosmetic products. The disturbed CMI/MI ratio was shown in 29%” rinse off and 73%“leave on” cosmetic products. It is suggested that the chemical reaction of the ketone group of the isothizaolinones with other ingredients in cosmetic products may disturb the CMI/MI ratio of Kathon CG. The results of the study have been discussed in relation to the use of Kathon CG in cosmetic products as well as test material for allergic reaction.
Maleopimaric acid – a potent sensitizer in modified rosin
Authors: Karlberg Ann‐Therése , Gäfveri Elisabeth , Hagelthorn Gunnel , Nilsson J. Lars G.
Published: April 2006

The allergenicity of the maleic‐modified rosins and their esters has been studied. The unesterified resins arc mainly used in paper size and the esters in printing inks, varnishes and adhesives. The levopimaric‐maleic anhydride Diels‐Alder adduct (maleopimaric acid) is the main component obtained in the maleic‐modified rosins. This compound was synthesized and its structure was determined. Its sensitising potential was investigated in guinea pigs according to different methods. It was shown that maleopimaric acid is a very potent sensitizer, comparable with the strongest allergen isolated from unmodified gum rosin. The allergen may also be present after esterification lion unless the process is carried out to completion. The animals sensitized to maleopimaric acid did not react to unmodified rosin, which shows that maleopimaric acid is structurally different from the allergens in rosin.
Contact allergy to furazolidone
Authors: de Groot Anton C. , Conemans Jean M. H.
Published: April 2006

A case of occupational contact allergy to furazolidone, used as an animal feed additive and as, antimicrobial drug in veterinary medicine, is, described. The patient did nut react to furazolidone 2% pet. Using PtG‐400 and alcohol as, patch test vehicles resulted in positive patch lest reactions. No cross‐reactions were observed to other nitrofuran derivatives (nitrofurazone, nitrofurantoin) or to furfural. The literature on contact allergy to nitrofurans is reviewed.
Facial dermatitis caused by chlorothalonil in a paint
Authors: Lidén Carola
Published: April 2006

A case of acute facial dermatitis caused by staying in a summer collage is described, Patch testing revealed contact allergy to the paint Pá Trä Lasur®, and to chlorothalonil. Chlorothalonil was used as a pesticide in the paint. Chemical analyses using high‐performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry were performed to reveal the purity of the chlorothalonil. Chlorothalonil has curlier been described us a contact allergen, sometimes causing facial dermatitis. The reason for localization to the face has not before been discussed. It is now suggested that it might be due to the high vapour pressure of chlorothalonil. It is concluded that products, containing chlorothalonil are unsuitable for indoor use.
Sensitization to fragrance materials in Indonesian cosmetics
Authors: Roesyanto‐Mahadi I. D. , Geursen‐Reitsma A. M. , van Joost Th. , van den Akker Th. W.
Published: April 2006

2 different groups of patients were patch tested with 2 test series (A arid B) containing extracts of fragrance raw materials. traditionally used in Indonesian cosmetics, Series A consisted of diluted extracts of commercially available Indonesian fragrances. Series B consisted of extracts prepared in mir department from corresponding indigenous flowers and fruits. Group I consisted of 32 patients positive lo fragrance‐mix, of whom S (25%) had positive tests to 1 or more of the different extracts of fragrance raw materials. Reactions were observed to extracts of: Rosa hybrida Hort (7); Canangium odoratum Baill (5); Citrus aurantifolia Swingle(4); Jasminum sumbac Ait (2). 6 of the S patients, had reactions to 1 or more of the components of fragrance‐mix: oakmoss (3); cinnamic alcohol (2). isoeugenol (1); cinnamic aldehyde (1) and geraniol (1). Group 2 consisted of 1 59 patients patch tested on suspicion of contact dermatitis, who were fragrance‐mix negative. Only 2 (1.2%) had a positive patch test to the extracts of fragrance raw materials. Specimens taken (as is) from the flowers and citrus fruits (being the basic sources of the fragrance raw materials) were less antigenic. The use of additional test series in Indonesia to detect allergy to traditional cosmetics and perfumes merits further investigation.
Patch test sensitivity to the preservative Kathon CG in Spain
Authors: Hasson A. , Guimaraens D. , Conde‐Salazar L.
Published: April 2006

Kathon CG is a very well studied preservative used in cosmetics and toiletries. It is effective in low concentrations (3 10 15 ppm active ingredients) and exhibits outstanding antimicrobial activity against gram‐negative and gram‐positive bacteria, yeasts and fungi. Although this biocide is not considered to pose a toxicological hazard at recommended use levels, the sensitising potential of Kathon CG has been established. From November 1988 to June 1989, we patch tested 626 unselected contact dermatitis patients with Kathon CG solution containing 200 ppm active ingredients and obtained 22 (3.5%) positive reactions. Relevance was established in 7 of the 22 patients. Women were predominantly sensitized, the principal source of sensitization being cosmetics.
Contact allergy to spices
Authors: van den Akker Th. W. , Roesyanto‐Mahadi I. D. , van Toorenenbergen A. W. , van Joost Th.
Published: April 2006

A group of 103 patients suspected of contact allergy was tested with the European standard series, wood tars and spices; paprika, cinnamon, laurel, celery seed, nutmeg, curry, black pepper, cloves, while pepper, coriander, cacao and garlic. 32 patients (Group I) were selected on the basis of positive tests to one or more of possible indicators for allergy to spices: colophony, balsam of Peru, fragrance‐mix and/or wood tars. 71 patients (Group II) showed no response to these indicators. In Group I (n= 32) a statistically significantly higher % of patients (47%) showed positive reactions to 1 or more spices, compared with 15% in Group II (N= 71). Among the spices, the highest numbers of reactions were found to nutmeg (28%), paprika (19%) and cloves (12%) in the indicator‐positive Group I. Fragrance‐mix turned out to be a particularly important indicator allergen, especially for paprika, nutmeg and cloves. The contact allergy in 11 out of 32 (Group I) and 7 out of 25 patch‐tested patients (recruited from Group II) appeared to be‐directed mainly against the ether‐extractable volatile fractions of the spices.