title: Contact allergy to cocamidopropyl betaine.
abstract: Cocamidopropyl betaine is an amphoteric surfactant used increasingly in cosmetic products. We describe 20 cases of cosmetic allergy to cocamidopropyl betaine; all were caused by shampoo or shower gel. 8 patients were hairdressers, who had occupational allergic contact dermatitis from shampoos. We recommend patch testing cocamidopropyl betaine 1% aq. routinely in hairdressers with dermatitis of the hands, and in all patients suspected of suffering from cosmetic allergy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Carolus-Liduina Zickenhuis, Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: de Groot
authors.forename: H B
authors.initials: HB
authors.lastname: van der Walle
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Weyland
mesh_terms: D001505:Beauty Culture; D001622:Betaine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000209:etiology*; D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational / Q000209:etiology; D003902:Detergents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006197:Hair; D006203:Hair Preparations / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D003902:Detergents; D006203:Hair Preparations; D013501:Surface-Active Agents; D001622:Betaine; C077055:cocamidopropyl betaine