Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026
08:25
Contact Hypersensitivity as a Murine Model of Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Published on: September 26, 2022
Allergic contact dermatitis to chloroxylenol.
Cindy Berthelot1, Matthew J Zirwas
1University of Texas Medical School Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA.
Dermatitis : Contact, Atopic, Occupational, Drug
|September 8, 2006
Summary
Allergic contact dermatitis can be caused by Chloroxylenol (PCMX), a common ingredient in soaps and cosmetics. Two patients experienced reactions confirmed by patch tests, highlighting the need for awareness of PCMX dangers.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Toxicology
- Cosmetic Science
Background:
- Chloroxylenol (PCMX) is widely used as a preservative in cosmetics and an active agent in antimicrobial soaps.
- Its antimicrobial properties are well-established, leading to its frequent inclusion in personal care products.
Observation:
- Two patients presented with allergic contact dermatitis.
- Reactions were confirmed via positive patch-test reactions (+++) at 48 and 72 hours.
- PCMX was identified in a soap and hand cream used by both patients.
Findings:
- The patients' dermatitis resolved after discontinuing the use of products containing PCMX.
- This case series confirms PCMX as a contact allergen.
- The study reviews the mechanism of action, structure, antimicrobial activity, and potential dangers of PCMX.
Implications:
- Healthcare providers should consider PCMX as a potential cause of allergic contact dermatitis in patients using antimicrobial soaps or cosmetics.
- Increased awareness of PCMX as a contact allergen is crucial for product formulation and consumer safety.
- Further investigation into the prevalence and clinical significance of PCMX allergy may be warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions
Drug-related allergies are immune-mediated responses triggered by the administration of pharmacological agents. These hypersensitivity reactions are classified based on the immune mechanisms involved. The four primary types—Type I, II, III, and IV—are mediated by different immunological pathways and exhibit distinct clinical manifestations.Type I Hypersensitivity/ IgE-Mediated Reactions: Immunoglobulin E (IgE) immediately mediates Type I hypersensitivity reactions. Upon initial exposure to a...
01:23Hand hygiene
Asepsis is the practice of preventing or breaking the chain of infection. The nurse employs aseptic techniques to prevent the spread of microorganisms and reduce the risk of diseases. Hand hygiene is the cornerstone of aseptic techniques and is classified into medical and surgical asepsis. Medical asepsis includes hand hygiene and the use of gloves. Surgical asepsis, or the sterile technique, refers to practices that render and keep objects and areas free of microorganisms.
Hand washing...
Hand washing...
01:30Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction mediated by Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. When IgE binds to allergens, it triggers the release of mediators– histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins from mast cells and basophils. These mediators cause vasodilation, edema, and inflammation, leading to various symptoms.The primary allergens causing anaphylaxis include food items (e.g., peanuts, shellfish), drugs (e.g., penicillin, asparaginase, corticotropin, heparin),...
01:29Hypersensitivity Reactions: Delayed Hypersensitivity Reactions
Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity (DTH), or Type IV hypersensitivity, is a cell-mediated immune response. It occurs when T cells, rather than antibodies, mediate a reaction to specific antigens. It is characterized by a delayed onset (1-2 days) and involves the recruitment of macrophages to the inflammation site.The initiation of a DTH response begins with the sensitization of T cells. During this phase, which lasts at least 1-2 weeks, antigen-specific T cells are activated, clonally expanded, and...
01:27Allergic Drug Reactions
Allergic reactions related to drugs are hypersensitivity responses driven by the immune system and bear no connection to the drug's therapeutic action. While drugs in isolation do not trigger an immune response, they can interact with endogenous proteins to form antigens. These antigens stimulate lymphocytes to produce antibodies. IgE-type antibodies attach themselves to mast cells. Upon subsequent exposure to the same stimulus, the antigen-antibody interaction is initiated, unleashing numerous...
02:06Allergic Reactions
Overview