Allergic contact dermatitis to a sanitary pad

Area of Science:

• Allergy and Immunology
• Dermatology
• Contact Dermatitis

Background:

• Vulval dermatitis can be triggered by various external factors.
• Sanitary pads contain multiple components, including adhesives, that may cause reactions.
• Identifying the specific allergen is crucial for managing recurrent contact dermatitis.

Observation:

• A 13-year-old female presented with recurrent vulval dermatitis.
• The dermatitis onset correlated with the use of specific sanitary pads.
• Reactions also occurred with a marking pen containing colophony during patch testing.

Findings:

• Patch testing revealed a strong sensitivity (3+) to colophony (rosin).
• Colophony was identified as the causative agent in both the sanitary pads and the marking pen ink.
• The patient had no prior history of adhesive tape or plaster reactions.

Implications:

• Colophony in sanitary pad adhesives can cause allergic contact dermatitis.
• Thorough allergen identification is essential for managing persistent skin reactions.
• Awareness of colophony in consumer products is important for preventing allergic reactions.