Allergic Contact Dermatitis From Medical Adhesive Tape Used for Friction Blister Prevention in the Norwegian Armed...

Colophony and its derivatives are common allergens. Contact dermatitis from colophony-containing adhesive tapes for blister prevention has previously been reported among Swedish conscripts.

To present the investigation of suspected allergic contact dermatitis among Norwegian military personnel exposed to medical adhesive tapes during service.

Fourteen conscripts and military personnel were examined at St. Olavs Hospital. Aimed patch testing was conducted, and chemical analysis of medical adhesive tapes was performed. All patients received occupational medical consultation and exposure avoidance advice.

Thirteen patients were diagnosed with allergic contact dermatitis, with positive patch tests to colophony and modified colophony and the medical adhesive tape used during service. Most patients exhibited strong sensitisation to colophony, reacting to very low concentrations. The majority were women, and many had simultaneous sensitisation to fragrance allergens. All patients were advised that their condition was work-related, with potential implications for future careers.

Use of colophony-containing medical adhesive tapes in the Norwegian Armed Forces has caused strong allergies among our patients, with potential long-term occupational and health consequences. Alternative blister prevention measures such as improved footwear and increased transparency and information regarding the chemical composition of medical devices are recommended.