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Carbonless copy paper, or 'no carbon required' (NCR) paper, has often been implicated as the cause of skin, respiratory, or general symptoms, but allergy has been verified in only a cases. A 43-year-old machinist whose work involved the manufacture of NCR paper developed occupational dermatitis on the hands. On patch testing, both the NCR paper and 1 of the chemicals used to produce the microcapsules of the NCR paper, namely diethylenetriamine (DETA), provoked an allergic reaction. .Analysis of the paper showed that it contained enough DETA to induce allergic contact dermatitis. People who handle NCR paper and develop symptoms of contact dermatitis should be patch tested with DETA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the increasing use of moist toilet papers, which introduced primarily for babies, by adults for cleansing perianal skin. Based on the results of a series of clinical studies, disposable baby wipes were mild to the skin. However, it was pointed out that their use can be responsible for allergic contact dermatitis.

A nonatopic Female secretary developed hand dermatitis after 1 year of full-time work with telefax paper. Her dermatitis improved on sick leave and vacation and relapsed at work. Patch testing showed allergic reactions to several fragrances, balsam of Peru, colophony and neomycin. In 3 patch test sessions, her own telefax papers gave a doubtful reaction which persisted for 4 days, but it could not be determined whether the reactions were allergic or irritant. The colophony content of the telefax paper was about 1% and it was possible that colophony in the telefax paper was responsible for the weak patch test reactions. Accordingly, the contact dermatitis would have been allergic. The patient has now been relocated, does not handle telefax paper, and is symptomless. We concluded that our patient bad an occupational hand contact dermatitis induced by telefax paper and possibly caused by colophony allergy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first detailed description of an epicutaneous test in a case of allergy was probably in 1847 by Städeler, a chemist at the University of Göttingen. A review of the history of the tests is given; touch and other investigations such as Städeler's blotting paper strip, Jadassohn's application method (1895) and Fabre's blotting-paper square (1897). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: adhesive; allergic contact dermatitis; case report; Finn Chambers AQUA; modified colophonium; patch test Allergic reactions to traditional Finn Chambers are mainly caused by contact allergy to aluminium, and, in most cases, are verified by positive patch test reactions to aluminium salts.[[1], [6], [11]] Our two cases, however, had negative test results with aluminium chloride hexahydrate, making aluminium contact allergy unlikely. In one report, a diagnosis of aluminium contact allergy was made; however, aluminium salts were not tested. Adhesive, allergic contact dermatitis, case report, Finn Chambers AQUA, modified colophonium, patch test. [Extracted from the article]

An over 2 × fold increase in para-aminoazobenzene allergy was observed in patients with allergic contact dermatitis during the years 1990-1991. Presuming that an increase in colour-printed news-papers might be a new recognized source of clinical allergy to azo dyes, patch tests were performed in 32 patients with an established p-aminoazobenzene allergy using a series of important azo dyes used in offset printing ink (Pigment Yellow 12, Pigment Yellow 13, Pigment Red 53, Pigment Red 57), as well as with dye-containing inks and specimens of colour-printed newspaper containing these azo dyes. In 25 out of the 32 patients (78%), positive patch tests were seen to textile an dyes, in particular in 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 product were apparently not a cause of Contact dermatitis in our group of patients with azo dye sensitization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of allergic contact dermatitis from diazo paper is reported. The case was found in a person who had been using diazo paper to reproduce documents. A vesicular dermatitis was found to develop in him. It is stated that the histology of the diazo paper patch test has showed typical eczematous change. Patch tests were found to be positive with para-aminobenzene, diazodimethylamine and diazodiethylamine. The dermatitis was found to be cleared completely after contact with the paper was stopped.

The article cites five case reports related to contact allergy to moist toilet paper. In the first case a 45 year old man with perianal dermatitis and vesicular hand dermatitis was patch tested with the European standard series, revealing allergy to kathon CG. He was using a moist toilet paper which was suspected to have contained kathon and the moment he stopped using it he was cured. In the second case a 41 year old woman developed acute allergic contact dermatitis around the anus, which spread to the trunk, legs and face after twice using moist toilet paper.

The article presents a case in which the patient, an office clerk got an irritant vesicular rash on the palms which spread to the back and sides of her fingers. Her work entailed day-long handling of significant quantities of Carbonless copy paper and carbon paper and operating a visual display unit. Initial patch tests to a standard battery and to carbonless copy paper gave positive allergic reactions to nickel sulphate 5%, cobalt chloride 1% and fragrance mix 8%, but no reaction to the paper handled. Further tests indicated an allergic reaction to crystal violet lactone present in the carbonless copy paper.

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the case of a female patient with frictional contact dermatitis due to paper tissues. Itchy erythema in the periorbital and perioral areas; Discoid eczema; Mechanical irritation of the skin.

We describe 4 adults with an allergic contact dermatitis for moist baby toilet tissues, being used either for their personal hygiene or for their babies (children). The allergen proved to be the preservative mixture of methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI). Allergic contact dermatitis from moist toilet paper has been infrequently reported but is probably not rare. The cases we describe here have been observed over a short period of 6 months. The question arises if the use of MCI/MI as a preservative, still often used in leave-on products, should not be abandoned from cosmetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on a case study of 56-year-old man who was suffering from vesicular eczema on the palms of both hands and on the volar sides of the fingers. From his past history it was found out that for 3 years, he had worked in a factory where diazosensitized paper was produced. At work, he was exposed continuously to 2 diazo compound containing Radex DL and 5M9. It was observed that during leave, his eczema improved. On patch testing with azodyes and photochemical results were negative. On additional patch testing, patient showed positive response to Radex DL and 5M9 solutions. It was suggested that contact dermatitis in patient occurred due to Radex photocopy paper.

Findings in two persons with allergic contact dermatitis to slimicides used in the paper industry are presented. Both subjects worked as technical sales consultants and visited paper mills. They would come into occasional contact with solutions containing biocides during servicing and sampling activities and were aware of a skin eruption affecting the flexural wrists, anterior thighs and ankles when they were in contact with certain biocides. Only one subject was allergic to Kathon.

2.3-epoxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (EPTMAC) is used in the production of cationic starch (CS) for the paper industry. It has been shown to be a sensitizer in guinea pigs, but cases of human sensitization are few: 4 workers were previously sensitized to the substance in a Finnish plant. This report describes 3 process men from another plant examined because of recurring dermatitis. 18 workers were involved in production, and had free access to all work site. 3 process men, whose work involved drying the CS, had dermatitis, although they had only occasional contact with the cationizing chemical, 2 were already verified to be allergic to EPTMAC and had variable dermatitis for 8 12 years. One had dermatitis on his face for 1 year. Patch testing with a dilution series (1%, 0.5%, 0.2%, 0.1% pet) confirmed their allergy to the cationizing chemical containing EPTMAC, but test with CS were negative. In addition, 2 had contact allergy to CI+Me-isothiazolinone from contact with Kalhon® LX used as a slimicide in the process. In long-standing (years) recurrent dermatitis, re-examination of patients with verified exposure history and skin tests is necessary. In line with our previous study, sampling the process materials, maintenance work and contamination of work sites and gloves caused sensitization. The results also confirm that EPTMAC is a strong human contact sensitizer. 0.2%-0.5% pure EPTMAC in pet, seems to be the optimal patch test concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the early 1960s, there have been occasional reports of contact allergies caused by diazo copy paper. The allergens most commonly identified have been the unexposed diazo compounds, particularly p-diazodimethylaniline zinc chloride double salt, and thiourea or dimethylthiourea. Diazomethylpyrrolidinobenzene and 2,7-dihydroxynaphthalene have also been reported. Diagnosis of contact allergy due to diazo copy paper is often difficult, since the papers may not only contain the substances mentioned, but up to 40 other constituents.

From 15 May to 15 December 1994, 2943 patients suspected of having contact dermatitis (1955 women, 988 men) were patch tested with methyldibromoglutaronitrile 0.3%, 0.1% and .05% pet. 119 patients (4.0% women, 4.1% men, 3.8%) proved to be allergic. 71% of the reactions were considered to be relevant. In 2/3 of the patients, causative products were cosmetics, in 1/3 moistened toilet tissues. Testing with methyldibromoglutaronitrile at lower concentrations 0.05% and 0.1%) and with commercial allergens (Euxyl® K 400 and methyldibromoglutaronitrile, both containing methyldibromoglutaronitrile 0.1%), resulted in a number of false-negative reactions. All preservatives in the European standard series had lower scores than the 4% positive reactions to methyldibromoglutaronitrile (formaldehyde 2.0%. MCI/MI (Kathon® CG) 3.2% parabens, 1.0% quaternium-15 1.3%). It is concluded that methydibromoglutaronitrile (present in the commercial preservative Euxyl® K 400) is an important contact allergen in the Netherlands in cosmetics and moistened toilet tissues. It should be added to cosmetics series and to proctological series. The optimal test concentration is unknow, but may be 0.3%. pet. Th concentration of 0.1% methyldibromoglutaronitrile in the currently available commercial allergens appears to be too low, resulting in a number of false-negative reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

a 43 year-old male Technical Officer was seen in September 1985 when he gave history of skin trouble since the age of 18 years, when he reacted severely to sticking paper following appendicectomy. He complained especially of facial dermatitis which had been recurrent for several years. The contact dermatitis of his face and hands was due to pinus radiata sawdust with which he came in contact in a woodwork hobby. A patch test to a perfumed handkerchief was negative, but it seems more likely that the condition was the result of repeated contact with the perfume in the handkerchief.

This article reports a case study of allergic contact dermatitis caused due to the effect of newsprint paper. A 30-year-old man working as a newspaperman developed a severe hand eczema every summer for the last 5 years. On patch testing with printed and unprinted newspaper it was found out that patient showed positive response in both the cases but there is no significant difference between the two. When testing with ethanol and dichloromethane the patient showed positive reactions. The patient is now working with his gloves on, even in summer.

Lists the papers used for the completion of the thesis on contact allergy to perfumes in Denmark. Changes in pattern of sensitization; Patch test with markers of fragrance contact allergy; Time-dose-response relationship for elicitation of contact dermatitis in isoeugenol allergic individuals.

This article focuses on the analysis of the sensitization level of chemicals containing methylene-bis-thiocyanate to human contact. Slimicides containing methylene-bis-thiocyanate are widely used in the paper industry. In order to evaluate the risk of sensitization, patch tests were performed on 34 exposed workers. The patch tests were performed with 25 substances, with Cytox® 3522 0.2% in pet. The patch tests were applied for 24 hours and read on the third and fifth days. The results of this study show that chemicals containing methylene-bis-thiocyanate, although widely used as slimicides in the paper industry, are not strong.

Presents a letter to the editor regarding allergic reactions.

This article discusses common type of allergic contact sensitivity to flame retardant. According to a 29-year-old professional actress, while playing a particular role, she developed irritation over her entire body, which was not associated with the development of any rash. Irritation was, however, associated with some nasal discomfort, and a scaling rash plus swelling round her eyes. It was revealed that while playing the part, she was showered with petals made of crepe paper treated with flame retardant, which caused allergy. Extensive patch testing revealed allergic reactions to nickel sulphate, cobalt chloride and formaldehyde.

This article reports case of contact sensitivity to thiourea in a patient exposed to the substance from this source. A 24 year old man presented with eczema which started on the face and spread to other exposed sites including the neck, arms and hands. Patch test was performed with our standard battery, and with musk ambrette. There were no positive photo-allergic reactions. The results confirmed contact allergy to thiourea. The patient noticed that his eczema improved by not being near the photocopied plans on the day that they were copied.

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 be 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 contact allergy was related to domestic paper-hanging. Although the chemical structure of 1,2-BIT shows some analogy with the preservative Kathon® CG, true cross-sensitivity was found to be unlikely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case of contact allergy arising due to acrylate monomer in a printing plate. Several authors have described contact sensitization to various acrylic monomers in ultraviolet curing printing inks and plates. In the present case the main output of the plant where the plates are used is printed forms. The plate in question has been in use since October 1978. The company uses about 12,000 plates a year. The patient in question is a 34-year-old woman without previous skin trouble. Since spring 1980 she has had recurrent eczema first on fingers and hands and later also on the face. The eczema healed when she was away from work and recurred when she returned to work.

This article focuses on the metal content of Indian coins. Contact allergy to metals in coins is known to occur. Two patients whose occupation required constant handling of coins, while giving change in coins for paper money and earning commission. Patch test was positive to nickel. In 5, 10 and 20 paise coins, Aluminum content was found to be maximum of 95% and Magnesium was found to be 3.5% to 4%. There were certain impurities,such as, Silicon 0.6%, Iron 0.4%, Copper 0.15% and Manganese 0.50%.

A method for detection of rosin (colophony) in technical products has been developed. The technique, using HPLC, is based on the analysis of abietic acid and dehydroabietic acid, major components of rosin. In the procedure described in this paper, the limit of detection, was 0.001% for abietic acid and 0.015% for dehydroabietic acid. An average recovery of 88.9% for abietic acid and 88.2% for dehydroabietic acid was obtained. The lowest detectable amount of abietic acid (0.001%) corresponds to a content of 0.003% unmodified rosin in the product, assuming that the resin acid content in rosin is 90% of which 30 50% is abietic acid. This is an acceptable limit compared to the reactivity in patients with known allergy to rosin. Technical products for analysis were supplied by different Swedish manufacturers, who also gave the approximate content of rosin in the various products. The content of rosin determined in the products was in accordance with the contents given by the manufacturers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some patients with relapsing foot eczema and a shoe leather allergy, who fail to show positive results with standard series and shoe wear screening tray patch testing, do not respond to the use of hypoallergenic shoe leather. We assume that relevant allergens are present in hypoallergenic shoe leather. We described an experiment to demonstrate the presence of these allergens. Alcoholic extracts were made of green, black and undyed hypoallergenic shoe leather, and the extracts were fractioned by paper chromatography. The resulting chromatograms were cut into 16 equal paper disks and patch tests were performed with extracts and the paper chromatography fractions. Positive reactions were seen to all extracts and to fractions of all types of leather. From analysis of the pattern of positive patch tests we concluded that leather-related allergens (e.g. tanning agent) and dyes were present in hypoallergenic shoe leather. In these cases, alternatives to shoe leather should be sought, for instance wooden or plastic shoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many factors can influence the elicitation of hypersensivity reactions in guinea pigs and humans. The effect which the vehicle might have on the test response in guinea pigs sensitized with various acrylic compounds, using the "guinea pig maximization test", has been investigated. A marked decrease in the number of positive animals was seen when acetone was used as test vehicle, compared to petrolatum. The same result was seen with alcohol as vehicle, when neopentyl glycol diacrylate (NPGDA) was used as an acrylic monomer model. The patch test locations on the guinea pig flank, also affected the test response. Half of the animals did not react when challenged near the abdomen, compared to a test site near the back. By means of HPLC-analysis, the possible adsorption of the acrylic monomer to the aluminium chamber or filter paper disc, was analysed. Our findings did not indicate that adsorption occurs. A decrease in the amount of acrylic monomer in the chamber with increasing time, was noted. There was a marked difference in the monomer residue between solutions with (darkness) and without (daylight) inhibitor. The monomer decrease was also more affected by an aluminium surface than a glass or filter paper surface. Aluminium oxide probably enhances the polymerization process. The discrepancy between the test results in this study, when petrolatum and acetone were used as test vehicles, is due to a polymerization process of the acrylic compounds. Thus, the petrolatum vehicle probably prevents polymerization of the acrylic monomer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a letter to the editor in response to an article on the allergy caused by carbonless paper, published in the journal "Contact Dermatitis."

Some patients have been referred to one contact dermatitis clinic with a presumptive diagnosis of possible allergic contact dermatitis to colored dyes. Patch testing to numerous materials has proven negative but this has stimulated some investigational endeavors into the color additives. It was felt that updating patch test results for these dyes should be undertaken. The preparations listed in Table 1 of the article have been patch tested in the modified Draize-Shelanski-Jordan technique, utilizing ten 24-hour induction periods and two challenge 48-h patches of 1 week after the induction, with delayed 72-hour readings. Fifty subjects were tested.

Reports indicate increasing incidence of Type I allergic reactions to latex allergens. The proteins that act as allergens and produce such allergic reactions are found in the natural latex sap of Hevea brasiliensis. All those who are exposed to latex products, particularly healthcare workers, are potentially at risk. The lack of qualified allergen extracts makes it difficult to perform skin testing on individuals who are at high risk. Therefore, a reliable in vitro test system for the detection of IgE antibodies to latex would be of considerable utility. We have developed a serological test for the qualitative determination of specific IgE antibodies to latex. In our study, 75 sera from individuals with a history of latex allergy and 29 serum samples from healthcare workers were tested by both radioimmunoassay (RIA) and enzyme immunoassay (EIA). The allergen bound to paper discs was the same solid phase for the RIA and EIA assays. The allergen preparation used for coating the paper discs was a mixture of proteins obtained from raw latex. The data show a good correlation between the results of RIA and EIA methods with data obtained using an RIA assay at an independent laboratory and by skin prick testing. Comparing the performance of our test using our latex material with that of the latex material obtained from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with results of other tests including skin tests, we found that the specificity and sensitivity of our assay method approaches 100%. The data show no significant cross-reactivity between latex and banana. A low level of cross-reactivity between latex and avocado was observed. We conclude that, by using correct selection of proteins, the detection of specific IgE to latex may be a valuable assay method for screening individuals and for the diagnosis of allergy to latex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proper technique aids reliable patch rest results. The Finn chamber volume was determined to be 25 μl. These studies suggest the optimal volume semi-solid test substance to be 12-15 μl. More than 18-21 μl caused significant extrusion of test substance and improper adhesive adherence. Finn chamber paper discs used with solutions absorb a maximum of 17.5 μI test solutions and keep 15 μl within the chamber. The evaporation rate of aqueous test solutions from Finn chambers was I mg/3 min; thus, the chambers should be applied quickly to avoid drying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: allergic contact dermatitis; delayed hypersensitivity; epidemiology; general population; systemic contact allergy EN allergic contact dermatitis delayed hypersensitivity epidemiology general population systemic contact allergy 54 56 3 06/12/23 20230701 NES 230701 INTRODUCTION Depending on patch test system, the frequency of detection of contact allergy may differ, although the same batch of the sensitizer is used and tested simultaneously.[[1]] Hereby, comparisons of patch test data become more difficult unless it is known/demonstrated that the systems used do not differ, or to which extent they differ, concerning the capacity to trace contact allergy to a certain sensitizer.[[2]] In a recent study on contact allergy in individuals with fibromyalgia, IQ Ultra (IQ-U) chambers were used.[4] Contact allergy to gold sodium thiosulphate (GST) seemed overrepresented in the fibromyalgia individuals (data will be presented separately). Occasionally, it might be important to confirm/rule out contact allergy to a special sensitizer in a patient with only limited possibilities of changing the patch test procedure.[[1], [3]] This study shows that another test method can be an option in this situation. 1 TABLE Comparison of patch test reactions in dermatitis patients simultaneously tested with Finn Chambers AQUA (FCA) and IQ Chambers (IQ). [Extracted from the article]

2-chloroacetophenone, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, acetophenone azine, acetophenone, antifungal, antioxidant, case report, contact allergy, preservative, resacetophenone Acetophenone azine: a new shoe allergen causing severe foot dermatitis. Keywords: 2-chloroacetophenone; 4-hydroxyacetophenone; acetophenone; acetophenone azine; antifungal; antioxidant; case report; contact allergy; preservative; resacetophenone EN 2-chloroacetophenone 4-hydroxyacetophenone acetophenone acetophenone azine antifungal antioxidant case report contact allergy preservative resacetophenone 485 487 3 05/09/23 20230601 NES 230601 INTRODUCTION We report the first case of contact allergy to resacetophenone outside Spain[1] and review contact allergy to other acetophenone derivatives. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on occupational dermatitis due to formaldehyde in newspaper. More than 600 products are used in paper manufacture like fillers, preservatives, whitening agents and others. Contact dermatitis from paper is known to be related to colophony allergy. Other substances include thiourea and its derivatives and formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is used to improve wet-strength water and grease resistance. The main source of exposure is domestic in the form of cleaning products for women and occupational for men.

IgE-mediated allergy to natural rubber latex was first noted from rubber gloves in 1979. The initial reports in dermatological journals described contact urticarial reactions; later, severe generalized allergic reactions and asthma were documented. A considerable proportion of the people involved in medical and dental care were found to be sensitized to latex. This article describes and surveys a broad range of primary prevention measures at the local and national levels. Examples are given from paediatrics, dental education, and medical care. National strategies and position papers on latex allergy are presented in which medical professionals, manufacturers and public authorities have cooperated. Special reference is paid to the European work to standardize medical gloves, which led to document EN 455:3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel is the most common cause of contact allergy and an important risk factor for hand eczema. Visualization techniques may be powerful in showing exposures. The dimethylglyoxime (DMG) test might be used to establish skin exposure to nickel. To develop and evaluate methods for visualization of nickel on the skin by the DMG test and hand imprints. Nickel solutions at different concentrations were applied in duplicate on the hands in healthy subjects ( n = 5). The DMG test and acid wipe sampling for quantification were then performed. Hand imprints were taken after manipulation of nickel-releasing tools ( n = 1), and in workers performing their normal tasks ( n = 7). The imprints were developed by the DMG test. The DMG test on hands gave positive results in all subjects. The lowest concentration giving rise to a colour change was set to 0.13 µg/cm for DMG testing on skin. DMG test-developed imprints worked well except when hands were heavily contaminated by other particles/dust. The DMG test may be used as a simple and powerful tool for visualization of nickel on skin. DMG test-developed hand imprints may, in the future, be used for semi-quantitative or quantitative exposure assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case in which a 62-year-old farmer had a 2-year history of a relapsing pruritic eruption of the face and plaque-like lesions of both outer thighs. On physical examination, the patient showed scaly erythemato-oedematous eruption which involved the whole face and neck. Burning and itching were present. Facial lesions were highly suggestive of a photodermatosis. Skin biopsies showed a moderate dermal lymphoid infiltrate with evident epidermotropism. History revealed that the symptoms were exacerbated by contact with fig-tree wood.

Allergic contact dermatitis is known to be a delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction mediated by T. lymphocytes. When antigen is applied to the skin, specifically sensitized T-lymphocytes proliferate and release cytokines, producing an inflammatory reaction characterized histologically by spingiosis and mono-nuclear cell infiltration. There are other cytokines like granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), contributing to the DTH response, which shows chemotactic activity and has an activating effect on both. The article presents a study focusing on GM-CSF release by peripheral blood mononuclear cells from a patient with gold contact dermatitis.

This article presents two case studies of contact dermatitis to betamethasone 17-valerate and fluocinolone acetonide. In the first case study a 35-year-old man applied Neosporin-H ointment for itching on his scrotum. The next day, he developed swelling of the prepuce for which he applied Betnovate-N ointment and his condition worsened. In the second case, A 58-year-old man had itchy intensified lesions on both his legs for 12 years. He used fluorite-II ointment which resulted in redness and itching. On patch testing first patient showed sensitivity to abetment 17-valerate and second patient showed sensitivity to fluocinolone acetonide.

Nickel release from nickel-plated metals often induces allergic contact dermatitis, but, for nickel-containing stainless steels, the effect is not well-known. In this paper, AISI 304, 316L, 303 and 430 type stainless steels, nickel and nickel-plated materials were investigated. 4 tests were performed: patch tests, leaching experiments, dimethylglyoxime (DMG) spot tests and electrochemical tests. Patch tests showed that 96% of the patients were intolerant to Ni-plated samples, and 14% to a high-sulfur stainless steel (303), while nickel-containing stainless steels with a low sulfur content elicited no reactions. Leaching experiments confirmed the patch tests: in acidic artificial sweat, Ni-plated samples released about 100 μg/cm²/week of nickel, while low-sulfur stainless steels released less than 0.03 μg/cm²/week of nickel, and AISI 303 about 1.5 μg/cm²/week. Attention is drawn to the irrelevance of the DMG spot test, which reveals Ni present in the metal bulk but not its dissolution rate. Electrochemical experiments showed that 304 and 316 grades remain passive in the environments tested, while Ni-plated steels and AISI 303 can suffer significant cation dissolution. Thus, Ni-containing 304 and 316 steels should not induce contact dermatitis, while 303 should be avoided. A reliable nitric acid spot test is proposed to distinguish this grade from other stainless steels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrical impedance in 23 healthy volunteers at 2-6 different skin sites was measured with a new impedance device, which makes possible non-invasive local measurements to a controlled depth. In 11 subjects, the test sites were occluded for 24 h using empty Finn Chambers and chambers with water, physiological saline, a paper disc or 0.002% sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). In the normal skin of 10 subjects, the electrical impedance was measured from 5 different body areas for 5 consecutive days. In 3 subjects, daily measurements for 1 month were done, both from normal skin and from skin following the application of 2% SLS. The results show that the irritation index based on electrical skin impedance gives little day-to-day variation at one and the same test site, in comparison to the variations between different test sites on the same subject and the interindividual variations observed. Significant differences in impedance values between different anatomical regions of normal skin were found. Occlusion does not affect readings taken 24 h or later after removal, but increases variance for readings taken 1 h after removal. Effects on the skin of mild irritation and its recovery phase are easily monitored with the new device. Technology based on electrical impedance, in its newly presented form, with the advantages of improved geometrical definition and depth control, can be used as an objective tool to measure skin irritation. For detection of subclinical irritant contact dermatitis, repeated readings taken over several days may he needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

12 phenol-formaldehyde resins were investigated with regard to the presence of 14 contact sensitizers by using high-pressure liquid chromatography. The allergens consisted of simple methylol phenols, dihydroxydipenyl methanes. 4,4[sup1]-dihydroxy-(hydroxymethyl)-diphenyl methanes and 2.4-dihydroxy (hydroxymethyl)-diphenol methanes. Four substances 2.4-dimethylol phenol, 2.6-dimethylol phenol, 4,4-dihydroxydiphenyl methane and 2.4[sup-1]-dihydroxydiphenyl methods, were isolatedfrom a resol resin and identified by mass-spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry. The highest concentrations (up to 15% w/w) of allergens were noted for methylol phenols in resol resins based on phenol and formaldehyde. The corresponding novolak resins showed a high content of dihydroxydiphenyl methanes. There was great variation in concentration of the sensitizers between the resins. None of these sensitizers were demonstrated in the resin based on paratertiary-butyl phenol. Products based on phenol-formaldehyde resins were also investigated for the presence of allergens. Uncured impregnated paper for laminate production and uncured mineral wool contained the same concentrations of the sensitizers as some of the resins studied. The curing process decreased the content of all the allergens investigated in all products, but the sensitizers did not disappear, and they may thus be present in finished products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multicentre patch test studies ( MPTSs) can contribute useful information for diagnostic and preventive measures. The aim of the present paper is to propose how to perform high-quality MPTSs. To this end, factors of significance for the patch test result are discussed with regard to the standardization and calibration of high-quality MPTSs. The 16 factors discussed are scored 0, 1, 2, or 3, depending on the relative importance of a particular factor for the patch test result. The total score of an MPTS allows it to be ranked as having doubtful, acceptable, high or excellent quality. A total score of 30 is possible. Depending on the total score the MPTSs are grouped into those with a doubtful, acceptable, high, and excellent quality. In conclusion, high-quality MPTSs can be performed and are facilitated if a guideline and check list are followed when the study is being planned. The scoring enables the calculation of a total score, which can be used for quality ranking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case of pigmented contact dermatitis. Pigmented lesions are not unusual in contact allergy and have been observed with para-phenylenediamines and other allergens. They have frequently been reported as associated with histological changes reminiscent of lichen planus pigmentosus. A 66-year-old woman, with no previous history of atopy or allergy, presented with very pronounced, reticulate, violet-brown pigmented macules surrounding a smooth, greyish, atrophic area in the axillae. Patches had begun 2 years earlier, with no preceding eczema, and were not pruritic. The patient had been using various brands of deodorants for many years.

Background Methylchloroisothiazolinone ( MCI) and methylisothiazolinone ( MI) are the active ingredients in commonly used preservative systems (e.g. Kathon CG®). MCI/ MI is present in the European baseline patch test series at 100 ppm aq. Since 1986, 200 ppm (dose 0.006 mg/cm2) has been used in Sweden without causing skin irritation. Centres in Spain, the United Kingdom and Ireland have also used 200 ppm in their baseline series. Objectives To find the optimal patch test concentration for MCI/ MI. Materials and methods MCI/ MI 100 ppm aq. and MCI/ MI 200 ppm aq. were simultaneously patch tested in 3300 consecutively tested dermatitis patients at eight European patch test clinics and one US patch test clinic. With the Finn Chambers® technique (diameter 8 mm), 15 µl was micropipetted on to the filter paper in the chamber. The corresponding volume for Van der Bend® chambers was 20 µl, and that for IQ Chambers® was 25 µl. Results Contact allergy to MCI/ MI at 100 and 200 ppm was found in 1.2% and 2.1% of patients, respectively ( p < 0.001). Conclusions MCI/ MI 200 ppm aq. (dose 0.006 mg/cm2) diagnoses significantly more contact allergy than the presently used concentration of 100 ppm (dose 0.003 mg/cm2), without resulting in more adverse reactions. MCI/ MI at 200 ppm should therefore be considered for inclusion in the European baseline test series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linked Article: Bianchi et al. Contact Dermatitis 2021; https://doi.org/10.1111/cod.14014 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between Nickel sensitization and piercing of ears is reported. The case of nickel sensitization rate in young females who have had their ears pierced is evaluated. Results of patch tests showed the occurrence of some reactions to costume jewelry. Then, use test with implicated jewelry was made which showed that all had trouble with some ear rings. It is commented that the manner of ear piercing and the use of nickel-pIated jewelry has resulted in a nickel sensitization rate of a minimum of 20% among young females.