Panthenol Allergic Contact Dermatitis: Sources of Exposure, Reported Cases, and a Call for More Frequent Testing

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Allergology
• Cosmetic Science

Background:

• Panthenol (vitamin B5 derivative) is widely used in personal care and pharmaceuticals for its moisturizing and skin-healing properties.
• Many products containing panthenol are marketed as hypoallergenic, yet allergic reactions are increasing.
• Contact allergy to panthenol, though previously uncommon, has risen from 0.2-0.7% to 1.2%.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the chemical functionality of panthenol.
• To review cases of panthenol-related allergic contact dermatitis and contact urticaria.
• To highlight the importance of panthenol patch testing in clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on panthenol allergy.
• Analysis of case studies involving allergic contact dermatitis and contact urticaria.
• Discussion of panthenol's role in personal care products and potential for exposure.

Main Results:

• Contact allergy to panthenol is rising, with positive reactions increasing significantly in recent years.
• Many cases of allergy were identified through patch testing of personal products and their constituents.
• Panthenol allergy can manifest as allergic contact dermatitis or contact urticaria.

Conclusions:

• Dermatologists should consider routine or extended patch testing for panthenol, especially in patients using hypoallergenic products.
• Increased awareness and testing for panthenol allergy are necessary given its prevalence in consumer products.
• Patients with persistent dermatitis despite using hypoallergenic products may benefit from panthenol patch testing.