Sunscreen sensitization: a three-year study.
BACKGROUND
In the last decade UV filters have been incorporated in a large number of cosmetic products.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of our study was to evaluate the prevalence of sunscreen allergy in patients with a suspected photodermatitis.


METHODS
108 patients were patch-tested with the Gruppo Italiano Ricerca Dermatiti da Contatto e Ambientali (GIRDCA) standard series and photopatch-tested with the photopatch series.


RESULTS
Allergy and/or photoallergy to sunscreening agents was diagnosed in 8 subjects (7.4%). Oxybenzone was positive in 4 patients, isoproyl dibenzoylmethane in 3 patients, p-aminobenzoic acid and 2-ethylhexyl-p-methoxycinnamate in 1 patient, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results obtained during a 3-year period (January 1990 to June 1993) confirm that sunscreens are presently the commonest photoallergens.
Trevisi
P
P
Department of Dermatology, University of Bologna, Italy.
Vincenzi
C
C
Chieregato
C
C
Guerra
L
L
Tosti
A
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D017454:Dermatitis, Photoallergic / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*
D013473:Sunscreening Agents