title: Contact sensitization to sunscreens.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Para aminobenzoic acid (PABA) derivatives and cinnamate are chemical sunscreens that protect against UVB (290 to 320 nm). They may occasionally produce contact and photocontact sensitization.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To report a sensitization to octyl-dimethyl-PABA and photosensitization to 2-ethylhexyl-p-metossicinnamate in a 31-year-old man.
  
  
  METHODS
  A patient with a 3-year history of a relapsing dermatitis involving the face, neck, legs, and knees is reported. The eruption had recurred every summer after sunlight exposure. Patch tests with International Contact Dermatitis Research Group (IC-DRG) standard series and the photopatch series (Hermal-Trolab, Reinbek, Germany) using Finn chambers on Scanpor (Norgesplaster A/S, Oslo, Norway) were carried out.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We found a positive reaction to Balsam of Peru, fragrance mix, Escalol 507, and Parsol MCX (Hermal-Trolab, Reinbek, Germany). Photopatch test revealed a positive reaction only for Parsol MCX.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The incidence of allergic contact dermatitis to sunscreens is considered low. Recently sunscreens patch test concentrations have been increased from 2% to 10%. These higher percentages will probably permit the identification of more cases of sunscreens allergy in the near future.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Bologna, Italy.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ricci
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vaccari
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cavalli
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Vincenzi
mesh_terms: D010129:4-Aminobenzoic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects; D000328:Adult; D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects; D001453:Balsams / Q000009:adverse effects; D002934:Cinnamates / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000209:etiology*; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D007868:Leg Dermatoses / Q000139:chemically induced; D008297:Male; D010328:Patch Tests; D010787:Photosensitivity Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D012008:Recurrence; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D062366:para-Aminobenzoates
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D001453:Balsams; D002934:Cinnamates; D013473:Sunscreening Agents; D062366:para-Aminobenzoates; C118580:octylmethoxycinnamate; C025080:Peruvian balsam; D010129:4-Aminobenzoic Acid; C041981:padimate-O