Methyldibromoglutaronitrile (Euxyl K 400): an important "new" allergen in cosmetics.
Euxyl K 400 is a preservative system for cosmetics and toiletries that contains phenoxyethanol and methyldibromoglutaronitrile in a 4:1 ratio. In The Netherlands, Italy, and Germany, the prevalence of allergy to Euxyl K 400 has risen in the past 4 years and is currently 2% to 4% in patients suspected of having contact dermatitis. The allergenic ingredient is nearly always methyldibromoglutaronitrile. Causative products include both stay-on and rinse-off cosmetics and moistened toilet tissue. Because the causative products usually give false-negative reactions, the allergen, methyldibromoglutaronitrile, should be tested in all patients suspected of having cosmetic dermatitis and in those with perianal dermatitis. We suggest a test concentration of 0.3% to 0.5% in petrolatum.
De Groot
A C
AC
Department of Dermatology, Carolus-Liduina Hospital, 's-Hertogenbosch.
van Ginkel
C J
CJ
Weijland
J W
JW
D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003358:Cosmetics / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D009570:Nitriles / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010328:Patch Tests; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical / Q000009:adverse effects*
D000485:Allergens; D003358:Cosmetics; D009570:Nitriles; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical; C039411:1,2-dibromo-2,4-dicyanobutane