Occupational allergic contact dermatitis due to coconut diethanolamide (cocamide DEA).
Coconut diethanolamide (CDEA), manufactured from coconut oil, is widely used as a surface-active agent in hand gels, hand-washing liquids, shampoos and dish-washing liquids. CDEA has rarely caused allergic contact dermatitis. During 1985-1992, we investigated 6 patients with occupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by CDEA. 2 became sensitized from a barrier cream, 3 from a hand-washing liquid, and 1 had been exposed both to a hand-washing liquid and to a metalworking fluid containing CDEA. Leave-on products (hand-protection foams) caused sensitization much more rapidly (2-3 months) than rinse-off products (hand-washing liquids; 5-7 years). Due to the extensive use of CDEA and the lack of proper declaration of products, it is difficult to avoid CDEA exposure. No contact allergy to another coconut-oil-derived sensitizer (cocamidopropyl betaine) was found in the patients.
Pinola
A
A
Section of Dermatology, Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland.
Estlander
T
T
Jolanki
R
R
Tarvainen
K
K
Kanerva
L
L
D000328:Adult; D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology*; D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology*; D004983:Ethanolamines / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012882:Skin Tests; D013997:Time Factors
D000485:Allergens; D004983:Ethanolamines; C038019:coconut diethanolamide