title: Allergic contact dermatitis to chloroxylenol.
abstract: Chloroxylenol, also known as p-chloro-m-xylenol (PCMX), is a compound that has been used as a preservative in cosmetics and as an active agent in antimicrobial soaps. We present two patients with allergic contact dermatitis from PCMX, confirmed by positive (+++) patch-test reactions at 48 and 72 hours, identification of PCMX in a soap and in a hand cream used by the patients, and improvement following withdrawal of the incriminating products. The mechanism of action, structure, antimicrobial activity, and dangers of PCMX are reviewed.
authors.affiliation: University of Texas Medical School Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Cindy
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Berthelot
authors.forename: Matthew J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Zirwas
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004202:Disinfectants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D006235:Hand Disinfection; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010328:Patch Tests; D014992:Xylenes / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D004202:Disinfectants; D014992:Xylenes; C007027:chloroxylenol