Methylchloroisothiazolinone and/or Methylisothiazolinone Contact Allergies in Thailand

Methylchloroisothiazolinone, in combination with methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI), and MI alone are common preservatives. The incidences of MCI/MI and MI-alone contact allergies have risen markedly worldwide, leading to changes in their use in products.

The aim of the study was to determine the incidences of positive patch test reactions and factors associated with MCI and/or MI contact allergies during the recent decade in Thailand.

Medical records of patients who underwent patch testing at Siriraj Hospital from 2009 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. The incidences of positive reactions, histories, and clinical data of MCI/MI and MI-alone contact allergy patients were analyzed.

Of 2789 patients undergoing patch testing, most were female (76.1%). The mean ± SD age was 42.7 ± 15.7 years. Positive reactions to MCI/MI increased from 2009 to 2016 before declining. The MCI/MI contact allergy was most common in females, middle-aged patients, and those with metal allergy histories, with the hands and arms being the predominant sites. However, MI-alone contact allergy was more common in males and mainly at the trunk. Its incidence significantly declined for the last 5 years.

The incidences of MCI/MI and MI-alone contact allergies began to decline because the Food and Drug Administration Thailand regulations restricted their use. The risk factors for the allergies reported in this study provide important information for patient care.