Dimethylthiourea, an unexpected hazard for textile workers.

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Occupational Health
• Toxicology

Background:

• Contact dermatitis is a common skin condition.
• Occupational exposures are significant causes of contact dermatitis in various industries.

Observation:

• A 24-year-old female textile cutter presented with conjunctivitis and dermatitis affecting the eyelids, nasal, and oral mucous membranes.
• Standard and pharmaceutical patch tests were negative.

Findings:

• Epicutaneous testing revealed a strong positive reaction to textile cutting patterns handled by the patient.
• The causative agent was identified as dimethylthiourea, an additive in diazo-sensitized paper.

Implications:

• Dimethylthiourea is a potential occupational allergen in the textile industry.
• Awareness and identification of such chemicals are crucial for preventing occupational contact dermatitis.
• This case underscores the importance of comprehensive allergen testing beyond standard series.