No abstract

Objectives: Hand sanitisers are urgently needed in the time of COVID-19, and as a result of shortages, some people have resorted to making their own formulations, including the repurposing of distilleries. We wish to highlight the importance of those producing hand sanitisers to avoid methylated spirits containing methanol and to follow WHO recommended formulations. Methods: We explore and discuss reports of methanol toxicity through ingestion and transdermal absorption. We discuss the WHO formulations and explain the rationale behind the chosen ingredients. Short conclusion: We advise those producing hand sanitisers to follow WHO recommended formulations, and advise those producing hand sanitisers using methylated spirits, to avoid formulations which contain methanol.

Background Patch testing is the gold standard for the diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). The Australian Baseline Series (ABS) was formulated by our group to include the 60 most common and relevant allergens in our patient population. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of testing with the Australian Baseline Series in order to diagnose allergic contact dermatitis. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of 964 patients with ACD diagnosed at our centre from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2018. Patients with at least one relevant positive reaction were stratified into three groups: i) reactions only to allergens in the Australian Baseline Series; ii) reactions to allergens in the Australian Baseline Series and to additional allergens; and iii) reactions only to allergens not present in the Australian Baseline Series. Results The Australian Baseline Series alone was successful in identifying the cause of allergic contact dermatitis in 63.4% (611/964) of patients. In 23.0% (222/964), the Australian Baseline Series detected at least one relevant allergen, but there were relevant allergens outside of the Australian Baseline Series as well. In 13.6% (141/964), no relevant allergens were detected in the Australian Baseline Series, but allergens were detected in additional series or by testing patients’ own products. The most frequently occurring allergens not included in the Australian Baseline Series were citral, ammonium persulfate, geraniol, oakmoss absolute and chlorhexidine diacetate. Conclusions The Australian Baseline Series is an adequate screening tool for identifying patients with ACD. Nevertheless, females should be additionally routinely tested with the fragrance series. Patients with suspected occupationally related dermatitis should always be tested with additional allergens and own products.

BackgroundBenzalkonium chloride (BAK) is a quaternary ammonium compound that is used widely as an antiseptic and preservative. It is a strong irritant and considered a weak sensitizer.ObjectiveTo analyze the temporal trend of BAK sensitization and the demographics of sensitized patients.MethodsWe conducted a single‐center retrospective study of 7390 patients who were patch tested with BAK between January 1, 2003 and December 31, 2019.ResultsOf the 7390 patients who were patch tested to BAK, 108 (1.5%) had a positive reaction, with 21 reactions deemed clinically relevant (0.3% of total patch tested) and a further 5 doubtful reactions deemed clinically relevant, resulting in a total of 26 relevant reactions (0.4% of total patch tested). Common sources of exposure were ophthalmic drops (30.8%), topical antiseptic preparations (26.9%), cosmetics (15.4%), disinfectant solutions (11.5%), hand sanitizers (11.5%), and hand washes (7.7%). One fifth of patients with relevant reactions were health care workers. There has been a dramatic increase in the number of positive reactions since 2017, for reasons not totally clear.ConclusionContact allergy (CA) and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in response to BAK are now increasing at our center. Awareness of this trend is important, given that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic is likely to further expose people to BAK.

Background Lichen sclerosus (LSc) is a chronic, inflammatory, destructive skin disease with a predilection for the genitalia (GLSc). An association with vulval (Vu) and penile (Pe) squamous carcinoma (SCC) is now well established but melanoma (MM) has only rarely been reported complicating GLSc. Methods We have performed a systematic literature review of GLSc in patients with genital melanoma (GMM). Only articles that mentioned both GMM and LSc affecting either the penis or vulva were included. Results Twelve studies with a total of 20 patients were included. Our review shows that an association of GLSc with GMM has been more frequently reported in women and female children than men viz, 17 cases compared with three. It is notable that five of the cases (27.8%) concerned female children aged under twelve. Discussion These data suggest a rare association between GLSc and GMM. If proven, there arise intriguing questions about pathogenesis and consequences for counselling of patients and follow‐up.