The development and course of patch-test reactions to 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate

Because Methacrylic monomers are used in dental work, dental personnel, technicians, and patients are at risk of being sensitized. 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (2-HEMA) and ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) are commonly used. Allergic test reactions to them sometimes appear beyond D7. This study was designed to study the development and course of positive test reactions to 2-HEMA and EGDMA in allergic patients as a mean to elucidate the issue of patch-test sensitization. 12 patients with contact allergy to 2-HEMA and EGDMA were retested with dilution series. The clinical course was followed for 1 month. During the study, 25 positive test reactions to 2-HEMA and 19 to EGDMA were diagnosed. Within the 1st week, 21 were noted for 2-HEMA and 18 for EGDMA. After 10 days, another 2 reactions appeared for 2-HEMA and 1 for EGDMA. All but 1 patient with the latter reactions also had positive reactions within the 1st week. After 1 month, 12 reactions for 2-HEMA and 10 for EGDMA remained. Patch-test reactions to 2-HEMA and EGDMA are long-lasting. The patch-test concentrations of 2.0% for 2-HEMA and EGDMA may be continually used. Positive test reactions emerging after 10 days do not automatically imply active sensitization.