7 years experience of photopatch testing with sunscreen allergens in Sweden

Contact Dermatitis. 1998 Feb;38(2):61-4. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0536.1998.tb05653.x.

Abstract

Since 1990 7 sunscreen allergens have been included in the standard photopatch protocol at 2 Swedish dermatology clinics. 355 consecutive patients with suspected photosensitivity were tested, and in 28 of these (7.9%), a total of 42 allergic reactions were found. 80% of the reactions were of photocontact origin. The most common allergen was benzophenone-3 (Eusolex 4360), with 15 photocontact and 1 contact allergic reactions, followed by isopropyl dibenzoylmethane (Eusolex 8020) (8 photocontact, 4 contact) and butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane (Parsol 1789), with 6 photocontact reactions. There were 2 cases of photocontact allergy to phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid (Eusolex 232), which has not been reported previously. 1 case of contact urticaria from benzophenone-3 was accidentally found. In addition, 21 + reactions of doubtful relevance were noted in 14 patients: 16 on irradiated and 5 on non-irradiated test sites. Among these, irritant and phototoxic reactions may be included. These results indicate that the inclusion of UV filters in the standard photopatch protocol is important. Immediate-type testing for urticaria could also be of value.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Allergens / administration & dosage
  • Allergens / adverse effects
  • Child
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / diagnosis*
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / etiology
  • Dermatitis, Photoallergic / diagnosis*
  • Dermatitis, Photoallergic / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multicenter Studies as Topic
  • Patch Tests*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Skin / drug effects
  • Skin / pathology
  • Skin / radiation effects
  • Sunscreening Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Sunscreening Agents / adverse effects
  • Sweden
  • Ultraviolet Rays / adverse effects
  • Urticaria / chemically induced

Substances

  • Allergens
  • Sunscreening Agents