Dermatitis from phenyl salicylate in safety spectacle frames

We report 3 cases of allergic contact dermatitis behind the ears from wearing the same brand of industrial safety spectacles. In each case, a positive patch test was obtained with scrapings of the plastic frame. In 2 cases further patch tests with constituents of the plastic were carried out; positive patch tests were obtained with phenyl salicylate. Phenyl salicylate is used as an ultraviolet inhibitor in some cellulose acetate butyrate and cellulose acetate propionate formulae. It has previously been reported as a contact sensitizer from its use as a sun screen in a lip salve. Positive patch test reactions were also obtained variously in these patients with balsam of Peru, resorcinol monobenzoate, and epoxy resin.