title: Allergic contact dermatitis caused by acrylates and methacrylates--a 7-year study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) caused by (meth)acrylates is traditionally an occupational disease among dentists, printers, and fibreglass workers. With the use of artificial nails, cases have been reported both in nail technicians and in users.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aims of this study were to characterize ACD caused by (meth)acrylates, identify the responsible allergens, and assess the sensitivity of the patch test with 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) for diagnosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  An observational and retrospective study (January 2006-April 2013) was performed, evaluating and correlating epidemiological and clinical parameters and positive patch test results with (meth)acrylates.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among 2263 patch tested patients, 122 underwent aimed testing with an extended (meth)acrylate series, and 37 showed positive and relevant reactions. Twenty-five cases (67.6%) were occupational. Hand eczema with pulpitis was observed in 32 patients. Twenty-eight cases were related to artificial nails, 3 were related to dental materials, and 2 were industrial workers. Oral lesions associated with dental prostheses were observed in 4 patients. Thirty-one patients reacted to more than one (meth)acrylate. In our sample, beauty technicians working with artificial nails were the most affected group (80% of occupational cases).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  HEMA detected 80.6% of our cases, and may be considered a good screening allergen. However, to perform an accurate diagnosis, it is safer to use a broader series of allergens.
authors.affiliation: Dermatology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, 3000 Coimbra, Portugal.
authors.forename: Leonor
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ramos
authors.forename: Rita
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cabral
authors.forename: Margarida
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gonçalo
mesh_terms: D000179:Acrylates / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*; D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008689:Methacrylates / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009262:Nails; D010328:Patch Tests / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000179:Acrylates; D008689:Methacrylates; C005044:hydroxyethyl methacrylate
keywords: HEMA; acrylates; allergic contact dermatitis; artificial nails; methacrylates