Dermatitis from UV acrylate in adhesive

Area of Science:

• Occupational Dermatology
• Chemical Safety
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Exposure to chemicals in the workplace can cause various skin conditions.
• UV curable resins are used in various industrial applications, including adhesive formulations.

Observation:

• An employee developed linear bullae and dermatitis on the forearms.
• The condition arose during the formulation of UV curable resins for sanitary napkin adhesive.
• Lesions had an artifactual appearance due to resin contamination of a support surface.

Findings:

• Patch testing identified tetraethylene glycol diacrylate as the sole contactant causing sensitivity.
• Other reactions observed during patch testing were determined to be irritant, not allergic.

Implications:

• Highlights the importance of identifying specific chemical sensitizers in occupational dermatitis.
• Underscores the need for proper handling and containment of reactive chemicals like diacrylates.
• Suggests that environmental contamination can mimic or exacerbate contact dermatitis.