Allergic contact dermatitis in dental professionals: effective diagnosis and treatment

Like other health care workers, dental professionals are at risk of developing allergic contact dermatitis, or ACD, after exposure to allergenic chemicals. Common allergens include antimicrobials, preservatives, rubber additives and methacrylates.

The authors describe an orthodontic assistant with severe skin disease, whose symptoms included redness, cracking and bleeding that persisted for 10 years. The patient had previously received an incomplete diagnosis. After performing patch testing, assessing symptoms and evaluating the patient's medical history, the authors diagnosed ACD resulting from exposure to several dental allergens. The patient received appropriate treatment and counseling to better manage her allergies; this resulted in resolution of all symptoms and averted permanent occupational disability.

Not all skin reactions are related to gloves or natural rubber latex. Dental professionals should be aware of common chemical allergens, symptoms of ACD and the appropriate treatment of occupational skin disease.