title: Analysis of the prevalence of allergic contact dermatitis to sunscreen: a cohort study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  As the use of sunscreens becomes more prevalent, reports of adverse effects to sunscreens have increased.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To analyze a patch test database for the prevalence of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to sunscreen.
  
  
  METHODS
  The database was searched for positive patch test reactions to benzophenone-3. Charts were also reviewed for those who were further tested to the sunscreen series.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-three of the 1,527 patients seen were tested to the sunscreen series. Of these, only 4 patients had a positive reaction to a sunscreen chemical or to the product they were using. In addition, 8 of the 1,527 patients who had no specific history of sunscreen allergy reacted to benzophenone-3.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  ACD to sunscreen was found to be very uncommon (0.8%). Other final diagnoses included ACD to excipients such as fragrances or preservatives and suspected photosensitive disorders.
authors.forename: Katie
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Beleznay
authors.forename: Gillian
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: de Gannes
authors.forename: Sunil
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kalia
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D013473:Sunscreening Agents