New progress and challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of cosmetic allergy-related adverse reactions / 中华预防医学杂志

In China, the current standard for cosmetic adverse reactions related skin disease (GB/T 17149.1-1997) was jointly issued by the Ministry of Health and the State Bureau of Technical Supervision in 1997, cosmetic-allergic adverse reactions include allergic contact dermatitis and photo-allergic contact dermatitis according to this standard. The increasing use and changes in cosmetic ingredients or formula lead to a significant increase for the incidence of adverse reactions as the cosmetics industry is developing rapidly in the last 20 years. In the meantime, the clinical manifestations have become more diverse. In recent years, there have been many reports on the special manifestations for cosmetic allergy and allergen test, which provide a reference for the subsequent improvement of the diagnosis and prevention.

Ozonated oil alleviates dinitrochlorobenzene-induced allergic contact dermatitis via inhibiting the FcεRI/Syk signaling pathway / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#Ozone is widely applied to treat allergic skin diseases such as eczema, atopic dermatitis, and contact dermatitis. However, the specific mechanism remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the effects of ozonated oil on treating 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and the underling mechanisms.@*METHODS@#Besides the blank control (Ctrl) group, all other mice were treated with DNCB to establish an ACD-like mouse model and were randomized into following groups: a model group, a basal oil group, an ozonated oil group, a FcεRI-overexpressed plasmid (FcεRI-OE) group, and a FcεRI empty plasmid (FcεRI-NC) group. The basal oil group and the ozonated oil group were treated with basal oil and ozonated oil, respectively. The FcεRI-OE group and the FcεRI-NC group were intradermally injected 25 µg FcεRI overexpression plasmid and 25 µg FcεRI empty plasmid when treating with ozonated oil, respectively. We recorded skin lesions daily and used reflectance confocal microscope (RCM) to evaluate thickness and inflammatory changes of skin lesions. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, real-time PCR, RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq), and immunohistochemistry were performed to detct and analyze the skin lesions.@*RESULTS@#Ozonated oil significantly alleviated DNCB-induced ACD-like dermatitis and reduced the expressions of IFN-γ, IL-17A, IL-1β, TNF-α, and other related inflammatory factors (all P<0.05). RNA-seq analysis revealed that ozonated oil significantly inhibited the activation of the DNCB-induced FcεRI/Syk signaling pathway, confirmed by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry (all P<0.05). Compared with the ozonated oil group and the FcεRI-NC group, the mRNA expression levels of IFN-γ, IL-17A, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and other inflammatory genes in the FcεRI-OE group were significantly increased (all P<0.05), and the mRNA and protein expression levels of FcεRI and Syk were significantly elevated in the FcεRI-OE group as well (all P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Ozonated oil significantly improves ACD-like dermatitis and alleviated DNCB-induced ACD-like dermatitis via inhibiting the FcεRI/Syk signaling pathway.

Guia prático de urticária aguda / Practical guide to acute urticaria

A urticária aguda é uma causa frequente de consulta com alergistas, caracterizada por urticas e/ou angioedema. Embora autolimitada e benigna, pode causar desconforto significativo e raramente representar uma doença sistêmica grave ou reação alérgica com risco de vida. Nesta revisão, elaborada pelo Departamento Científico de Urticária da Associação Brasileira de Alergia e Imunologia, foram abordadas as principais questões referentes ao tema para auxiliar o médico especialista e generalista.

Acute urticaria is a frequent cause of consultations with allergists, being characterized by wheals and/or angioedema. Although self-limited and benign, it may cause significant discomfort and uncommonly represent a serious systemic disease or life-threatening allergic reaction. In this review prepared by the Urticaria Scientific Department of the Brazilian Association of Allergy and Immunology, the main questions about this topic are addressed to help specialists and general practitioners.

Lesiones cutáneas asociadas al uso de bombas de insulina y sistemas de monitoreo: un problema desafiante / Insulin pumps and glucose monitors related cutaneous lesions: a challenging problem

Los cuidados actuales de la diabetes incluyen altos niveles de tecnología y los pacientes utilizan diferentes dispositivos que pueden ayudar en su control metabólico, pero pueden impactar negativamente en su piel. Sensores de glucosa como el Freestyle, Dexcom, el Enlite de Medtronic y los sistemas de infusión continua de insulina contienen diferentes productos químicos que están en contacto directo con la piel del paciente y pueden causar una dermatitis irritativa o de contacto alérgica. Las lesiones incluyen eczema, prurito, heridas, cicatrices y cambios en la pigmentación de la piel. Los productos químicos involucrados que pueden ocasionarlas son el isobornil acrilato, N, N- dimetilacrilamida, etil cianoacrilato y colophonium, forzando a los pacientes a cambiar los sitios de infusión, el set de infusión o el sensor mismo más pronto de lo esperado, para reducir el nivel de daño en la piel. Existe gran número de productos que permiten proteger la piel y reducir el contacto de la piel con la cánula de la bomba o el sensor. Para reducir o prevenir el daño existen productos como cremas o spray y parches de hidrocoloide que actúan como barrera y existen técnicas para aplicar y retirar cuidadosamente los parches y adhesivos de los dispositivos. Una vez que las lesiones se han producido, el tratamiento incluye pomadas y a veces corticoides tópicos y/o antibióticos. Para prevenir o reducir el daño de la piel asociado al sensor y uso de la bomba de insulina, la industria que los produce debería incluir la información en relación a los productos químicos incluidos en cada dispositivo.

Diabetes care nowadays includes a high level of technology and patients use different devices which can help them in their glycemic control, but can have a negative impact on their skin. Glucose sensors such as Freestyle, Dexcom, Medtronic Enlite and also continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion systems contain different chemical products which are in direct contact with the patient's skin and can cause irritative or allergic contact dermatitis. Lesions include eczema, pruritus, wounds, scars and changes in skin pigmentation. The chemical products which can induce them are isobornyl acrylate, N, N- dimethylacrylamide, ethyl cyanoacrylate and colophonium, forcing patients to change the infusion site, set or the sensor itself, earlier than expected, in order to reduce the level of skin damage. There are a number of products which can protect the skin and reduce it's contact with the pump cannula or the sensor. To reduce or prevent damage, we have products such as barrier cream or spray films and hydrocolloid blister plasters and actions such as careful application and removal of device's patches and adhesives. Once lesions are established, treatment includes ointments and sometimes topical steroids and/ or antibiotics. In order to prevent or reduce skin damage related to sensor and insulin pump use, the manufacturers should include the information related to the chemicals included in each device.

Allergic contact cheilitis caused by propolis: case report

ABSTRACT Propolis is a lipophilic resin extracted from plants by bees. The purpose of this case report was to show the importance of this substance as cause of allergic contact cheilitis. A 21-year-old female patient complained of pruritic perioral eczema for 5 years. In the past months it also affected the neck. After diagnosing contact dermatitis, she was submitted to a patch test with a Latin American baseline series. The result was strongly positive for propolis (++) and weakly positive for perfume mix I (+). After the test, the patient revealed she had been using propolis drops, per oris, for 10 years. The worsening of the condition was due to increased dose, aiming "to improve immunity", during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The contact allergy to propolis might be increasing due to the widespread use of natural products. Propolis is a sensitizer to be considered in patients with long-lasting cheilitis.

Usefulness of dermoscopy in the evaluation of patch test reactions

Abstract Background: Despite being widely used in different areas of dermatology, there have been few studies evaluating the benefit of dermoscopy in the interpretation of patch tests, especially in weak and doubtful reactions. Objectives: To evaluate the role of dermoscopy in the interpretation of patch tests and describe the main findings of the reactions. Method: Prospective study, carried out in dermatology reference centers in southern Brazil, which evaluated the final results of patch tests analyzed with the aid of dermoscopy. Results: 77 patients and 160 reactions were included. The most prevalent substances were nickel sulphate (23.8%), kathon CG (9.4%), and perfume mix (8.8%). The main dermoscopic findings were reaction area greater than half of the chamber site (90%), homogeneous erythema (86.9%), vesicles (30%), crusts (21.3%), perifollicular erythema (35%), pore reaction (19.4%) and pustules (8.8%). Dermoscopy was found to facilitate the definition of erythema in reactions on black skin and when due to substances with deposition of pigment. Of the 64 weak or doubtful reactions, 36 (56.25%) showed a change in the final result after dermoscopy evaluation; of the 36 doubtful reactions, 33 (91.6%) showed a change in the final result after dermoscopy evaluation (p < 0.001). Study limitations: The probable limitation of the study is its sample size. Though certain significance levels have been reached, other possible relationships may not have been observed. Conclusion: Dermoscopy improves significantly the interpretation of patch tests, especially in weak and doubtful reactions.

Oral Lichenoid Reactions and Contact Sensitization: A 5-year Review in the Department of Dermatology, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Background@#Oral lichen planus is an idiopathic autoimmune inflammatory condition and oral lichenoid reactions are lesions that resemble oral lichen planus clinically and histopathologically, but develop secondary to various underlying causes. Oral lichenoid reactions have been reported to be caused by contact allergy to dental materials. This study aims to describe the characteristics of patients with a clinical and/or histopathological diagnosis of oral lichen planus who underwent patch testing in Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.@*Methods@#This is a 5-year retrospective study of patients who had oral lichen planus and had undergone patch testing at the Department of Dermatology, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia between January 2015 and Cecember 2019. Patch tests were performed with European Baseline Series and relevant extended series, which include dental and metal series as well as patients’ own products. Patch test results were recorded according to the International Contact Dermatitis Research Group recommendation.@*Results@#There were 41 patients with oral lichen planus who underwent patch test. The median age was 56 (range 21 to 73) with 70.7% of patients being female. There were 29 (70.7%) patients who developed at least one positive reaction. The most frequent sensitizing allergens were nickel sulfate (34.1%), gold(I)sodium thiosulphate dihydrate (22.0%), fragrance mix I (19.5%), cobalt chloride (14.6%), Peru balsam (12.2%) and sodium tetrachloropalladate (II) hydrate (12.2%). Current relevance was recorded in 16 patients (39.0%) and of these patients, 12 of them had positive patch test reactions to allergens found in dental materials such as dental fillings, dental implants, orthodontic braces, dentures and dental crowns.@*Conclusion@#Contact sensitization was detected in about 70% of our patients with oral lichen planus. The most common sensitizing allergen was nickel sulfate. Current relevance was found mainly towards dental materials.

Dermatite de contato agravada por outra sensibilidade em automedicação / Contact dermatitis aggravated by other sensitivity in self-medication

RESUMO: Dermatite alérgica de contato é uma doença cutânea inflamatória, não infecciosa, cuja base do tratamento é a identificação e eliminação do agente causal. Cocoamidopropil betaína é um surfactante muito utilizado nos produtos de uso pessoal, notadamente de uso capilar. Essa substância não está presente na bateria padrão brasileira. Neomicina é um antibiótico usado em preparações tópicas. Objetivamos mostrar paciente que desenvolveu alergia no couro cabeludo e que fez erroneamente automedicação com produto que continha substância a qual era ainda mais sensível. O caso é de uma mulher, 36 anos, evoluindo há dois meses com eczema pruriginoso, em áreas de implantação capilar e nuca. Relatava progressiva piora. Diante da suspeita de dermatite de contato, foi realizado teste de contato, utilizando-se da bateria padrão Latino-Americana. Com 96 horas (D4) evidenciou-se positividade leve (+) para cocoamidopropil betaína e forte (++) para neomicina. O resultado positivo para a neomicina foi intrigante, uma vez que a observação do rótulo dos produtos de uso pessoal não a continha. Diante do resultado do teste, após ser questionada novamente, ela confirmou a omissão da automedicação diária com pomada de neomicina. Em conclusão, mostramos a alergia a produtos de uso capilar. Reforçamos a necessidade de se fazer um teste de contato com bateria padrão atualizada. Por fim, alertamos sobre o risco da automedicação. (AU)

ABSTRACT: Allergic contact dermatitis is an inflammatory, non-infectious skin disease. The treatment is based on the identification and elimination of the causal agent. Cocamidopropyl betaine is a surfactant widely used in products for personal use, especially capillary use. This substance is not present in the Brazilian baseline series. Neomycin is an antibiotic used in topical preparations. We aimed to show a patient who developed na allergy in the scalp and mistakenly self-medicated with a product that contained a substance to which it was even more sensitive. The case is of a woman, 36 years old, evolving for 2 months with pruritic eczema, in areas of capillary and nape implantation. She reported progressive worsening. When contact dermatitis was suspected, a contact test was performed using the Latin American baseline series. At 96 hours (D4) there was mild positivity (+) for cocamidopropyl betaine and strong (++) for neomycin. The positive result for neomycin was intriguing, since the observation of the label of products for personal use did not contain it. In view of the test result, after being questioned again, she confirmed the omission of daily self-medication with neomycin ointment. In conclusion, we showed the allergy to hair products. We reinforced the need for an updated baseline series patch test. Finally, we warned about the risk of self-medication. (AU)

Alergia à Metilisotiazolinona: Relato de caso / Methylisothiazolinone Allergy: Case Report

A metilisotiazolinona (MI) é um conservante presente em produtos químicos de limpeza e cosméticos na forma isolada ou associada à metilclorotiazolinona (MCI/MI). Seu uso tem sido associado ao aumento progressivo de casos de dermatite alérgica de contato (DAC) no mundo, constituindo uma das principais causas dessa entidade. O diagnóstico padrão-ouro de DAC a essa substância é realizado pelo teste de contato. No Brasil, a bateria padrão contempla apenas o composto MCI/MI, não avaliando isoladamente a MI. Relatamos caso clínico de uma paciente com eczema crônico predominante em mãos, que possuía nexo ocupacional com utilização de produtos de limpeza, tendo apresentado teste de contato, através da bateria Latino-Americana, fortemente positivo (+++) à MI 0,2% e negativo para MCI/MI. Objetivamos demonstrar a importância da inclusão da metilisotiazolinona, de forma isolada, na bateria padrão brasileira para maior sensibilidade diagnóstica, além da necessidade de especificação da presença desse conservante em produtos de limpeza.

Methylisothiazolinone (MI) is a preservative present in cleaning and cosmetic products, in the isolated form or associated to methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI/MI). Its use has been associated with the progressive increase in cases of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in the world, constituting one of the main causes of this entity. The gold standard diagnosis of ACD for this substance is performed by the patch test. In Brazil, the baseline series only includes the MCI / MI compound, not evaluating the MI alone. We case report of a patient with predominant chronic eczema on the hands, who had an occupational nexus with the use of cleaning products, having presented a patch test, through the Latin American series, extremely positive for 0.2% MI (+++) and negative for the MCI/MI. We aim to demonstrate the importance of including methylisothialzoninone, in isolation, in the Brazilian baseline series for greater diagnostic sensitivity, in addition to the need to specify the presence of this preservative in products.

Dermatite alérgica de contato revelada pela pandemia de COVID-19: relato de caso / Allergic contact dermatitis revealed by pandemic: case report

OBJETIVO: Dermatite de contato é doença inflamatória cutânea, não infecciosa, prevenível, que afeta a qualidade de vida do indivíduo, ocorrendo após exposição de substâncias prejudiciais à pele. Pode ser alérgica ou irritativa. É a principal causa de doença cutânea ocupacional. A pandemia de Covid-19 afeta as pessoas de diferentes maneiras mexendo com paradigmas laborais e recreacionais. Objetivamos alertar que importantes alergias inaparentes podem se manifestar pela alteração da rotina individual transformando hobby em atividade ocupacional decorrente da epidemia global causada pelo SARS-CoV-2. DESCRIÇÃO DO CASO: Relatamos um caso do sexo masculino que desenvolveu há 8 meses, intenso eczema de mãos após mudança de hábito relacionado ao isolamento social. Negava atopia. Clinicamente apresentava marcada dermatite com hiperemia, fissuras, erosões, num padrão conhecido como de pinçamento. Ele que exercia atividade laboral extradomiciliar, passou a ficar recluso trocando sua atividade anteriormente de lazer para atividade ocupacional. Feito teste de contato, utilizando-se da bateria padrão Latino-Americana, constatou-se forte reação em 48 e 96 horas para a resina epóxi de bisfenol A. CONCLUSÃO: Mostramos que a pandemia do Covid-19, mesmo indiretamente, é capaz de revelar alergias ocultas pela alteração das atividades ocupacionais desempenhadas pelos indivíduos.

AIMS: Contact dermatitis is a non-infectious, preventable skin inflammatory disease that affects the quality of life of the individual, occurring after exposure to substances harmful to the skin. It can be allergic or irritating. It is the main cause of occupational skin disease. The Covid-19 pandemic affects people in different ways by messing with occupational and recreational paradigms. We aim to warn that important unapparent allergies can manifest themselves by the alteration of the individual routine transforming hobby into occupational activity due to the global epidemic caused by SARS-CoV-2. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report a male case that developed eigth months ago, severe hand eczema after a habit change related to social isolation. He denied atopy. Clinically he presented marked dermatitis with hyperemia, cracks, erosions, in a pattern known as clamping. He, who exercised extradomic labor activity, became a recluse changing his previous activity from leisure to occupational activity. A patch test, using the Latin American baseline series, showed a strong reaction in 48 and 96 hours for the bisphenol A epoxy resin. CONCLUSION: We have shown that the Covid-19 pandemic, even indirectly, can reveal hidden allergies due to altered occupational activities performed by individuals.

Allergic contact dermatitis to cosmetics: retrospective analysis of a population subjected to patch tests between 2004 and 2017

Abstract Background: Cosmetics are part of the daily life of the population, and their use can lead to allergic contact dermatitis. Objectives: To assess the profile of patients diagnosed with allergic contact dermatitis to cosmetics treated at a referral center for 13 years, as well as the characteristics of the clinical picture and allergens involved. Methods: This was a retrospective study, with analysis of medical records of patients attended at this service. The individuals included had a diagnostic hypothesis of allergic contact dermatitis to cosmetics and had previously been submitted to epicutaneous tests. Results: A total of 1405 medical records were analyzed, 403 (28.7%) with suspected allergic contact dermatitis to cosmetics and 232 (16.5%) with confirmed diagnosis. Of these, 208 (89.7%) were women, and the age group most affected was 31 − 60 years. The most common locations were face in 195 cases (25.8%), cervical region in 116 (15.3%), and trunk in 96 (12.6%). The main allergens in the contact tests were toluene-sulfonamide-formaldehyde resin in 69 cases (29.7%), paraphenylenediamine in 54 (26.3%), Kathon CG® in 41 (20.7%), and fragrance-mix 1 in 29 (16.4%). In 154 (66.4%) of the 232 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis to cosmetics it was possible to specify the cosmetic product responsible for the lesions. Study limitations: The absence of some allergens considered important in the world as causes of allergic contact dermatitis, which are not readily accessible among us. Conclusions: The data of the analyzed population (predominance of young women), as well as the location of the lesions (face and cervical area) and the main allergens involved were consistent with those from the world literature.

Unexpected patch test complication: onset of erythema multiforme-like lesions / Complicação inesperada após teste de contato: aparecimento de lesões eritema multiforme-símile

Erythema multiforme is generally associated with infections and drugs. Although less common, there are also reported cases of this disorder after patch testing. We described a 22 year-old female patient who, 24 hours after patch testing, progressed to erythematous iris-shaped plaques and papules with central crust, symmetrically distributed over her hands, arms, and back, with severe itch. The erythema multiforme-like lesions presented in the case were interpreted as a manifestation of systemic allergic contact dermatitis secondary to the exam. Allergic contact dermatitis may be manifested as an erythema multiforme in a hypersensitive person. Few cases of systemic allergic contact dermatitis after patch testing have been reported, for example, due to diethyl thiourea, some textile disperse dyes, and povidoneiodine. The development of erythema multiforme is not noted in most literature references as a complication after patch testing. Although unusual, this disorder needs to be considered as a potential adverse effect of this exam.

O eritema multiforme está associado comumente a infecções e medicamentos. Embora menos comum, também há casos relatados dessa doença após aplicação do teste de contato. Descrevemos uma paciente de 22 anos que evoluiu, em 24 horas após o teste, com placas e pápulas eritematosas, em formato de íris e crosta central, distribuídas simetricamente nas mãos, braços e costas, além de prurido intenso. As lesões eritema multiformesímile presentes no caso foram interpretadas como uma manifestação alérgica secundária ao exame. Dermatite de contato alérgica pode se manifestar como um eritema multiforme em pessoas hipersensíveis. Poucos casos de dermatite alérgica de contato sistêmica foram relatados após este exame, por exemplo, devido às seguintes substâncias: dietil tioureia, corantes dispersos têxteis e iodopovidona. O desenvolvimento do eritema multiforme não é usualmente apontado como uma complicação do teste de contato alérgico, na maioria das referências literárias. Embora incomum, o surgimento dessa desordem após este exame necessita ser considerado como um efeito adverso.

High rate of sensitization to Kathon CG, detected by patch tests in patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis

Abstract Background: Kathon CG, a combination of methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone, is widely used as preservative in cosmetics, as well in household cleaning products, industrial products such as paints and glues. It has emerged as an important sensitizing agent in allergic contact dermatitis. Objectives: This study evaluated the reactivity to this substance in patients subjected to patch tests at the Dermatology Institute in Bauru, São Paulo from 2015 to 2017 and its correlation with other preservatives, the professional activity and location of the lesions. Methods: The patients were submitted to standard series of epicutaneous tests, standardized by the Brazilian Group Studies on Contact Dermatitis. Results: Out the 267 patients tested, 192 presented positivity to at least one substance and 29 of the patients (15.10%) presented reaction to Kathon CG, with predominance of the female gender (n = 27); main professional activity associated with Kathon CG sensibilization was cleaning (17.24%), followed by aesthetic areas (13.79%) and health care (10.34%). The most prevalent sensitizations among the substances tested were nickel sulphate (56.3%), followed by cobalt chloride (23.4%), neomycin (18.2%), potassium dichromate (17.7%), thimerosal (14.5%), formaldehyde (13.2%), paraphenylenediamine (9.3%), and fragrance mix (8.3%). Study limitations: We do not have data from patients that were submitted to patch test a decade ago in order to confront to current data and establish whether or no sensitization to Kathon CG has increased. Conclusion: High positivity to Kathon CG corroborates the recent findings in the literature, suggesting more attention to concentration of this substance, used in cosmetics and products for domestic use.

Alergia a los metales / Metal allergy

La presencia de metales en contacto con piel o mucosas puede ocasionar en personas sensibles, reacciones de distintos tipo que, muchas veces, no es posible determinar su origen. Ante la sospecha se puede recurrir a un estudio hematológico de laboratorio (Test Melisa) (AU)

The metal exposure in sensitive people could produce, local or general, different reactions of hypersensitive. The Melisa Test is a blood work that could make a diagnosis of those types of allergies (AU)