Allergic contact dermatitis from octylisothiazolinone.

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Toxicology
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Octylisothiazolinone (OIT) is a biocide with known potential as a contact allergen.
• Previous reports indicate OIT is a moderate but rare allergen.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence of octylisothiazolinone contact allergy and allergic contact dermatitis.
• To analyze data from the Allergen Bank at Odense University Hospital over a 20-year period.
• To assess OIT's sensitization potential, given its use in targeted testing.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of octylisothiazolinone patch test results.
• Data collected from the Allergen Bank between January 1992 and February 2012.
• Inclusion of patients patch tested with octylisothiazolinone.

Main Results:

• 20 out of 648 patients (3.1%) showed positive reactions to octylisothiazolinone.
• The majority (90%) of sensitized individuals had occupational exposure.
• Painters represented the largest group among affected patients.

Conclusions:

• Octylisothiazolinone is confirmed as a relevant sensitizer.
• Occupational exposure is a significant factor in octylisothiazolinone sensitization.
• The findings highlight the importance of recognizing OIT as an allergen in specific work environments.