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Published on: March 24, 2023
Patch testing with glucosides: The North American Contact Dermatitis Group experience, 2009-2018
Erin M Warshaw1, Michelle Xiong2, Amber R Atwater3
1Department of Dermatology, Park Nicollet/Health Partners Health Services, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Department of Dermatology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Department of Dermatology, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Alkyl glucosides in personal care products can cause allergic reactions, with 2.0% of patients showing positive patch tests. These reactions are often relevant to the product and show significant cross-reactivity between different glucosides.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Allergology
- Cosmetic Science
Background:
- Alkyl glucosides are nonionic surfactants widely used in personal care products.
- Their increasing use necessitates understanding potential adverse reactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize positive patch test reactions to decyl glucoside and lauryl glucoside.
- To assess the clinical relevance and sources of these reactions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of a large patient cohort tested by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group.
- Patch testing with decyl glucoside (5% petrolatum) and lauryl glucoside (3% petrolatum).
Main Results:
- 2.0% of 24,097 patients had positive patch test reactions to decyl and/or lauryl glucoside.
- Positive reactions were frequently linked to personal care products (63.0%), particularly hair products and skin cleansers.
- Glucoside-positive patients showed higher odds of occupational skin disease, hay fever, atopic dermatitis, and asthma.
- Over 40% cross-reactivity was observed between decyl and lauryl glucoside.
Conclusions:
- Alkyl glucoside positivity affects 2.0% of tested individuals, with reactions often being clinically relevant.
- Personal care products are a common source of these reactions.
- Significant cross-reactivity between decyl and lauryl glucoside highlights potential for widespread sensitization.
