Contact allergy to sunscreen chemicals in photosensitivity dermatitis/actinic reticuloid syndrome (PD/AR) and polymorphic light eruption (PLE).
From 1989-1991, 214 patients (45 PD/AR, 54 PLE, 115 controls) were patch tested to a sunscreen series containing 9 constituents. 16/214 (7.5%) patients reacted to one or more sunscreens, with allergy being significantly more common in PD/AR patients (10/45 versus 2/54 PLE and 4/115 contact dermatitis clinic controls). The benzophenone group of sunscreens (mexenone, oxybenzone) were the most frequent sensitizers, accounting for 8 of the 27 positive patch tests observed. Clinicians should consider contact allergy to sunscreens in PD/AR patients as an explanation for exposed-site dermatitis episodes.
Bilsland
D
D
Photobiology Unit, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK.
Ferguson
J
J
D010129:4-Aminobenzoic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001565:Benzoates / Q000009:adverse effects; D001577:Benzophenones / Q000009:adverse effects; D002164:Camphor / Q000009:adverse effects; D047188:Chalcones; D002934:Cinnamates / Q000009:adverse effects; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D017454:Dermatitis, Photoallergic / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010328:Patch Tests; D010787:Photosensitivity Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*
D001565:Benzoates; D001577:Benzophenones; D047188:Chalcones; D002934:Cinnamates; D013473:Sunscreening Agents; D002164:Camphor; C061481:dibenzoylmethane; D010129:4-Aminobenzoic Acid