Contact sensitivity to preservatives in the UK, 2004-2005: results of multicentre study.
Preservative sensitivity in the UK was last assessed in 2000. Given the changes in preservative usage, we have re-evaluated our patch test data in order to detect any changes in the trend of sensitization. The results of patch testing using the extended British Contact Dermatitis Society Standard series were collected from 9 dermatology centres in the UK. Positive reactions to each of 10 preservative allergens were captured together with the MOAHFLA indices for each centre. In total, 6958 patients were tested during the period 2004-2005. The current data were compared with previously published data. Formaldehyde and methylchloroisothiazolinone/methyl-isothiazolinone have the highest positivity rates at 2.0% and chloroxylenol the lowest at 0.2%. Parabens mix has the highest irritancy rate. Compared with the UK data in 2000, the positivity rate of imidazolidinyl urea (0.02 < P < 0.05) has significantly increased and that of methyldibromo glutaronitrile has significantly reduced (P < 0.001).
Department of Dermatology, Singleton Hospital, Swansea, SA2 8QA, UK. tze_jong@yahoo.com
Cherng T
CT
Jong
Barry N
BN
Statham
Cathy M
CM
Green
Codagh M
CM
King
David J
DJ
Gawkrodger
Jane E
JE
Sansom
John S C
JS
English
S Mark
SM
Wilkinson
Anthony D
AD
Ormerod
Mahbub M U
MM
Chowdhury
D000328:Adult; D003358:Cosmetics / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005520:Food Preservatives / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015337:Multicenter Studies as Topic; D010328:Patch Tests; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology
D003358:Cosmetics; D005520:Food Preservatives; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical