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Preservative sensitivity in the UK was last assessed in 2000. Given the changes in preservative usage, we have re-evaluated our patch test data in order to detect any changes in the trend of sensitization. The results of patch testing using the extended British Contact Dermatitis Society Standard series were collected from 9 dermatology centres in the UK. Positive reactions to each of 10 preservative allergens were captured together with the MOAHFLA indices for each centre. In total, 6958 patients were tested during the period 2004–2005. The current data were compared with previously published data. Formaldehyde and methylchloroisothiazolinone/methyl-isothiazolinone have the highest positivity rates at 2.0% and chloroxylenol the lowest at 0.2%. Parabens mix has the highest irritancy rate. Compared with the UK data in 2000, the positivity rate of imidazolidinyl urea (0.02 < P < 0.05) has significantly increased and that of methyldibromo glutaronitrile has significantly reduced ( P < 0.001). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this regular feature, aesthetic nurse Claudia McGloin presents a brief synopsis of a range of recently published articles on medical aesthetics. Research roundup aims to provide an overview, rather than a detailed summary and critique, of the papers selected. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided at the end of each study summary [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report three paediatric cases of severe allergic contact dermatitis caused by a Japanese lacquer tree ( Rhus verniciflua), which is a rare specimen plant in the UK. The diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis produced by plants that are not indigenous to a particular country is more likely to be delayed, as well as mistaken for cellulitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quaternium 15 is a formaldehyde releasing preservative with broad-spectrum activity against bacteria and to a lesser extent, yeasts and other fungi. It is widely used as a biocide in cosmetics and toiletries. Contact allergy to quanternium 15 is well recognized. Since 1982, researchers included this allergen in their standard patch test series and it is recommended in the standard series. Although quanternium 15 is not frequently used in medication but researchers were aware of its presence as a preservative in a moisturizing cream which is commonly used in Great Britain.

This article presents a case on contact dermatitis caused by ivy. A man aged 27, first developed a rash on the ulnar side of the left forearm 4 months ago. It spread to involve his hands, fingers and face, it cleared up in about a week. He gave a history that he had moved about 9 months ago. hut at the time of the first attack and subsequently. he was doing extensive clearing of his garden. On several of these occasions he was cutting down a profuse growth of ivy. Allergy to ordinary ivy as opposed to poison ivy (Rhus) is very rare in Great Britain.