Occupational airborne allergic contact dermatitis from methacrylates in a dental nurse.
BACKGROUND
There are very few reports of airborne allergic contact dermatitis from methacrylates.


OBJECTIVE
To report a dental nurse with facial eczema supposedly caused by airborne methacrylates present in the work environment.


METHODS
Patch testing with serial dilutions of several methacrylates and work provocations in environments containing methacrylates was performed.


RESULTS
Patch testing with serial dilutions of several methacrylates disclosed a high patch test reactivity. Repeated provocations when working with methacrylates resulted in facial eczema that resolved out of work. Attempts to collect the sensitizers using air pumps for the collection of vapors and filters for the collection of air-born aerosols failed.


CONCLUSIONS
The clinical presentation was that of a facial dermatitis due to airborne exposure to methacrylates. It seems likely that 1 or several of these allergens caused the dermatitis.
Isaksson
Marléne
M
Department of Occupational and Environmental Dermatology, University Hospital MAS, Lund University, SE-20502 Malmö, Sweden. marlene.isaksson@skane.se
Zimerson
Erik
E
Svedman
Cecilia
C
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects; D003726:Dental Assistants; D003764:Dental Materials / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008689:Methacrylates / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010328:Patch Tests; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D000485:Allergens; D003764:Dental Materials; D008689:Methacrylates