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Methylisothiazolinone, an emerging allergen in cosmetics?
Juan García-Gavín1, Sara Vansina, Stefan Kerre
1Faculty of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, University of Santiago de Compostela, University Hospital Complex, Spain.
Contact Dermatitis
|July 16, 2010
Summary
Methylisothiazolinone (MI) in cosmetics causes allergic contact dermatitis and primary sensitization. Testing exclusively with MI is crucial, as standard series may miss cases of MI-only sensitization.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Toxicology
- Cosmetic Science
Background:
- Methylisothiazolinone (MI) is a preservative used in cosmetics.
- Occupational contact dermatitis from MI in paints and glues has been documented.
- Cosmetic regulations permit MI at 100 p.p.m. and methylchloroisothiazolinone/MI (MCI/MI) at 15 p.p.m.
Observation:
- Seven patients presented with suspected allergic contact dermatitis.
- Six patients had (peri-)anal lesions, and one had facial dermatitis.
- Products implicated included intimate hygiene wipes and a makeup remover, all containing MI only.
Findings:
- Patch testing confirmed sensitization to MI in all seven patients.
- Three cases of MI-only sensitization would have been missed without specific MI testing.
- Standard patch test series using only MCI/MI may lead to underdiagnosis.
Implications:
- The use of MI as a sole preservative in cosmetics may not resolve allergic contact dermatitis issues.
- Primary sensitization to MI is a significant concern.
- Dermatologists must consider MI-only sensitization in patients with suspected cosmetic-related allergic contact dermatitis.
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