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Spa contact dermatitis

Jessica A Yankura1, James G Marks, Bryan E Anderson

  • 1Department of Dermatology, Penn State/Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA.

Dermatitis : Contact, Atopic, Occupational, Drug
|April 17, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Potassium monopersulfate (MPS) spa treatments can cause allergic contact dermatitis, a rare but significant finding. Switching to a hydrogen peroxide-based alternative resolved the patient's skin condition.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Allergology
  • Environmental Health

Background:

  • Potassium monopersulfate (MPS) is a common oxidizing agent used in pool and spa sanitization, often referred to as "shock" treatment.
  • While effective for water treatment, adverse skin reactions to MPS are infrequently documented in medical literature.

Observation:

  • A patient developed a widespread, scattered dermatitis affecting the neck and trunk.
  • The dermatitis symptoms exacerbated following use of a spa treated with MPS-based products.

Findings:

  • Patch testing revealed a significant allergic reaction to ammonium persulfate.
  • Ammonium persulfate was excluded as a direct contactant; however, MPS, known to cross-react with ammonium persulfate, was identified as the causative agent in the spa shock treatment.
  • Discontinuation of MPS and switching to a hydrogen peroxide-based spa treatment led to complete resolution of the dermatitis.

Implications:

  • This case highlights potassium monopersulfate as a potential allergen causing contact dermatitis, despite its rarity.
  • Physicians should consider MPS in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with unexplained dermatitis after spa or pool exposure.
  • Alternative spa treatment chemicals, such as hydrogen peroxide, may be suitable for individuals with MPS sensitivity.

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