Recommendation to include hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate in the British Baseline Patch Test Series

  • S. Rolls (Lead / Corresponding author)
  • , M. M. Chowdhury
  • , S. Cooper
  • , P. Cousen
  • , A. M. Flynn
  • , S. A. Ghaffar
  • , C. M. Green
  • , A. Haworth
  • , C. Holden
  • , G. A. Johnston
  • , K. Naidoo
  • , D. I. Orton
  • , C. Reckling
  • , R. A. Sabroe
  • , M. Scorer
  • , N. M. Stone
  • , D. Thompson
  • , S. Wakelin
  • , M. Wilkinson
  • , D. A. Buckley

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    36 Citations (Scopus)
    413 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    Background: (Meth)acrylates are potent sensitizers and a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). The frequency of (meth)acrylate ACD has increased with soaring demand for acrylic nails. A preliminary audit has suggested a significant rate of positive patch tests to (meth)acrylates using aimed testing in patients providing a clear history of exposure. To date, (meth)acrylates have not been routinely tested in the baseline patch test series in the U.K. and Europe.

    Objectives: To determine whether inclusion of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (2-HEMA) 2% in petrolatum (pet.) in the baseline series detects cases of treatable (meth)acrylate ACD.

    Methods: During 2016–2017, 15 U.K. dermatology centres included 2-HEMA in the extended baseline patch test series. Patients with a history of (meth)acrylate exposure, or who tested positive to 2-HEMA, were selectively tested with a short series of eight (meth)acrylate allergens.

    Results: In total 5920 patients were consecutively patch tested with the baseline series, of whom 669 were also tested with the (meth)acrylate series. Overall, 102 of 5920 (1·7%) tested positive to 2-HEMA and 140 (2·4%) to at least one (meth)acrylate. Had 2-HEMA been excluded from the baseline series, (meth)acrylate allergy would have been missed in 36 of 5920 (0·6% of all patients). The top (meth)acrylates eliciting a positive reaction were 2-HEMA (n = 102, 1·7%), 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate (n = 61, 1·0%) and 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (n = 57, 1·0%).

    Conclusions: We recommend that 2-HEMA 2% pet. be added to the British baseline patch test series. We also suggest a standardized short (meth)acrylate series, which is likely to detect most cases of (meth)acrylate allergy.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)811-817
    Number of pages7
    JournalBritish Journal of Dermatology
    Volume181
    Issue number4
    Early online date31 Jan 2019
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2019

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Dermatology

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