Contact allergy to preservatives: ESSCA* results with the baseline series, 2009–2012

Abstract

Contact allergy to biocides is common throughout Europe, and regional differences could be explained by differences in exposure or characteristics of the population tested. Timely regulatory action for isothiazolinones is required. Although MDBGN is banned from cosmetics products since 2005, sensitization prevalence has not appeared to plateau. IPBC is an emerging allergen with an increasing prevalence over the last few years, and its inclusion in the European baseline series may be appropriate.

European Surveillance System on Contact Allergies (ESSCA): results with the European baseline series, 2013/14

“…Indeed, following the ban of methyldibromo glutaronitrile (MDBGN) in 2004 for leave‐on and 2008 for rinse‐off cosmetics, the sensitization prevalence observed now is roughly halved. Ongoing exposure by other, non‐cosmetic products and new sensitization still occurs . The latest epidemic of contact allergy to preservatives has been observed to MI .…”

“…It should be mentioned that, according to the ESCD patch test guideline, water‐based allergens should be dosed with a micropipette, to avoid overdosing with subsequent irritation or even an increased risk of active sensitization. Although currently there is only low exposure to formaldehyde in cosmetics, technical fluids, paints and lacquers, formaldehyde‐releasing preservatives such as imidazolidinyl or diazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin, quaternium 15 (the only one included in the EBS), bronopol (2‐bromo‐2‐nitropropane‐1,3‐diol) and others contribute to a relevant exposure to free formaldehyde, which makes a reliable diagnosis of formaldehyde contact allergy ever so important. Parabens are a widely used class of preservatives .…”

“…Hegewald et al ,. lately also including more in‐depth views on different groups of allergens from the EBS, such as fragrances, metals, preservatives, rubber chemicals or topical therapeutics and excipients . Following the main approach of providing a concise overview of the full range of EBS allergens as in Hegewald et al .…”

Tertiary prevention of occupational skin diseases: Prevalence of allergic contact dermatitis and pattern of patch test results

“…Since use of the preservative MDBGN in cosmetic products was banned by the European Commission in 2008, the prevalence of contact allergy to MDBGN has substantially decreased, and is usually only of historical relevance . For many years, contact allergies to rubber components, and in particular thiurams, have played a major role in occupational ACD .…”

Concomitant contact‐allergic reactions to iodopropynyl butylcarbamate and iodine

“…1 The maximum authorized concentrations are 0.02% and 0.01% in rinse-off and leave-on cosmetic products, respectively, and there is an even lower limit of 0.0075% in deodorants and antiperspirants. 5 This difference in sensitization rates between Europe and the United States can be attributed to differences in cosmetic regulations, but also to the use of different patch test concentrations 6 : whereas the recommended test concentration of IPBC in Europe has been 0.2% pet. 2 IPBC is a small, water-soluble molecule that readily penetrates the skin, shows marginal irritant properties, and is considered to have a low sensitizing potential.…”