Photocontact Allergy to Octyldimethyl Paba

Abstract

SummaryA case of photocontact allergy to a sunscreen product containing octyldimethyl paraaminobenzoic acid (O‐PABA) with cross sensitivity to isobutyl PABA is presented. A discussion of sunscreen products follows, including the properties of the active ingredients and the vehicles. A list of commercial products grouped according to sunscreen type follows.

Report of 19 cases of photoallergic contact dermatitis to sunscreens seen at the Skin and Cancer Foundation

“…The pattern of reactions to active sunscreen agents is also changing. The first sunscreen agents to gain wide usage were PABA and, later, its esters octyl dimethyl PABA and pentyl dimethyl PABA 12–14 . Reports of photoallergy to these agents soon led to their removal from the manufacturing of sunscreens and the marketing of PABA‐free products, primarily containing benzophenones as an alternative.…”

Reviews : The Happy Foot, by R. Barth, L. Campbell, S. Allen, and J. Jupp (1988), The Diabetes Centre, St. Vincent's Hospital, 372 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia. Manual, appendices, and 35 mm slides. Price: Not available

“…In the 1960s and 1970s, antibacterial and antifungal agents, especially the halogenated salicylanilides, were included in antibacterial bar soaps, cleansers and other personal care products. [12][13][14] Reports of photoallergy to these agents soon led to their removal from the manufacturing of sunscreens and the marketing of PABA-free products, primarily containing benzophenones as an alternative. The most sensitizing of these (tetrachlorosalicylanilide and tribromosalicylanilide) have been removed from personal care products.…”

“…The first sunscreen agents to gain wide usage were PABA and, later, its esters octyl dimethyl PABA and pentyl dimethyl PABA. [12][13][14] Reports of photoallergy to these agents soon led to their removal from the manufacturing of sunscreens and the marketing of PABA-free products, primarily containing benzophenones as an alternative. Subsequently, reports of photoallergic reactions to benzophenone increased.…”