The epidemic of methylisothiazolinone: a European prospective study. (28th December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schwensen, Jakob F.; Uter, Wolfgang; Bruze, Magnus; Svedman, Cecilia; Goossens, An; Wilkinson, Mark; Giménez Arnau, Ana; Gonçalo, Margarida; Andersen, Klaus E.; Paulsen, Evy; Agner, Tove; Foti, Caterina; Aalto‐Korte, Kristiina; McFadden, John; White, Ian; Johansen, Jeanne D.
• Is Part Of: Contact dermatitis. Volume 76:Number 5(2017)
• Page Start: 272
• Page End: 279
• Publication Date: 2016-12-28
• Subjects: allergic contact dermatitis -- CAS no. 2682‐20‐4 -- cosmetics -- exposure -- methylchloroisothiazolinone -- methylisothiazolinone; Contact dermatitis -- Periodicals; 616.51
• DOI: 10.1111/cod.12733
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0105-1873

Abstract

Summary: Background: The use of methylisothiazolinone (MI) in cosmetic products has caused an unprecedented epidemic of MI contact allergy. Current data concerning exposures at a European level are required. Objectives: To describe demographics and MI exposures for European patients with MI contact allergy. Methods: Eleven European dermatology departments from eight European countries prospectively collected data between 1 May and 31 October 2015 among consecutive patients who had positive patch test reactions to MI (2000 ppm aq.). Results: A total of 6.0% (205/3434; range 2.6–13.0%) of patients had positive patch test reactions to MI. Dermatitis most frequently affected the hands (43.4%), face (32.7%), arms (14.6%), and eyelids (11.7%); 12.7% had widespread dermatitis. For 72.7% (149/205), MI contact allergy was currently relevant mainly because of exposure to cosmetic products (83.2%; 124/149). Of these 124 patients, 19.5% were exposed to leave‐on and rinse‐off cosmetic products, 24.8% only to leave‐on cosmetic products and 38.9% only to rinse‐off cosmetic products containing MI or methylchloroisothiazolinone/MI. The majority of these (79%) noted onset of their dermatitis between 2013 and 2015. Fifteen patients (7.3%) had previously experienced allergic reactions when they were in newly painted rooms. Conclusion: Clinically relevant MI contact allergy remains prevalent across European countries, mainly because of exposure to rinse‐off and leave‐on cosmetic products. Abstract :