title: Polysensitisation in a laboratory scientist associated with allergic contact dermatitis from methylisothiazolinone in skin cleansers.
abstract: Polysensitisation refers to reactivity to three or more allergens on epicutaneous patch testing, and is likely to affect a distinct subgroup of individuals with allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) is an increasingly prevalent allergen, recently having been described as occurring in epidemic proportions. We report a patient with ACD to 12 allergens, including MIT, and discuss the implications of polysensitisation and the likely need for repeat patch testing in such patients if they subsequently re-present with dermatitis.
authors.affiliation: Occupational Dermatology Research and Education Centre, Skin and Cancer Foundation, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Matthew J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Palmer
authors.forename: Rosemary
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Nixon
mesh_terms: D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000209:etiology*; D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D007753:Laboratories; D008875:Middle Aged; D018777:Multiple Chemical Sensitivity / Q000209:etiology*; D010328:Patch Tests; D012915:Soaps / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013844:Thiazoles / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D012915:Soaps; D013844:Thiazoles; C011506:2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one
keywords: allergy; hand eczema; moisturising cream; patch testing; preservative