[Contact dermatitis due to dimethyl fumarate].

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Toxicology
• Allergology

Context:

• Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is a fumaric acid ester with established uses in treating psoriasis and as a preservative.
• Recent outbreaks of severe acute eczema, termed 'sofa dermatitis' and 'shoe dermatitis,' have been linked to DMF exposure.
• The sensitizing potential and irritant properties of DMF are increasingly recognized in occupational and consumer settings.

Purpose:

• To provide dermatologists with a comprehensive guide for diagnosing and managing patients allergic to dimethyl fumarate.
• To review the clinical presentations, diagnostic patch test results, and potential cross-reactions associated with DMF allergy.
• To identify common sources of exposure to dimethyl fumarate that lead to allergic contact dermatitis.

Summary:

• Dimethyl fumarate allergy can manifest as severe acute eczema, as seen in recent sofa and shoe dermatitis epidemics.
• Diagnosis involves recognizing clinical signs, performing patch testing, and identifying exposure routes.
• Management strategies include avoidance of DMF and understanding potential cross-reactivities.

Impact:

• Enhances clinical recognition and diagnosis of dimethyl fumarate allergy among dermatologists.
• Provides essential information for managing patients experiencing adverse skin reactions to DMF.
• Contributes to public health awareness regarding the risks associated with dimethyl fumarate in consumer products and medical treatments.