Allergic contact dermatitis caused by acrylates and methacrylates--a 7-year study.
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.


OBJECTIVES
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).


CONCLUSION
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.
['Ramos|Leonor|L|', 'Cabral|Rita|R|', 'Gonçalo|Margarida|M|']
D000179:Acrylates D000328:Adult D000368:Aged D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational D005260:Female D006229:Hand Dermatoses D006801:Humans D008297:Male D008689:Methacrylates D008875:Middle Aged D009262:Nails D010328:Patch Tests D012189:Retrospective Studies D055815:Young Adult
allergic contact dermatitis acrylates artificial nails methacrylates HEMA