Contact dermatitis and gastrointestinal symptoms from hydroxyethylmethacrylate

Area of Science:

• Occupational dermatology
• Toxicology
• Allergy and immunology

Background:

• Occupational exposure to methacrylates can cause allergic contact dermatitis.
• Hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) is a common monomer used in various industrial and medical applications.

Observation:

• A laboratory technician presented with allergic contact dermatitis, nausea, diarrhea, and persistent fingertip paresthesia.
• Symptoms were linked to occupational handling of HEMA.

Findings:

• Patch testing confirmed HEMA as the allergen, reproducing gastrointestinal symptoms.
• HEMA was found to permeate standard vinyl gloves.
• Cross-reactivity was observed with methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, and isopropylmethacrylate, but not butyl- or isobutylmethacrylate.

Implications:

• Highlights the potential for systemic symptoms from dermal exposure to methacrylates.
• Underscores the inadequacy of vinyl gloves for protecting against HEMA permeation.
• Informs clinical diagnosis and occupational safety protocols for methacrylate handling.