Occupational allergic contact dermatitis to isophorone diamine (IPD) used as an epoxy resin hardener

Three patients employed in the manufacture of plastic tennis rackets developed allergic contact dermatitis to isophorone diamine (IPD), an epoxy resin hardener, and concomitantly to epoxy resin. Patch tests were positive to IPD at 1, 2 and 5% in olive oil and to IPD at 1, 2 and 5% in ethanol. Investigations were conducted in control subjects to confirm the allergic nature of reactions. A review of the literature about IPD and related compounds is presented.