Allergic contact dermatitis to a colophony derivative

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Allergology
• Orthopedic Surgery

Background:

• Wood rosin is a common component in medical adhesives.
• Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a delayed hypersensitivity reaction to specific allergens.

Observation:

• Five patients presented with acute allergic contact dermatitis.
• The dermatitis was linked to wood rosin in the adhesive of surgical tapes.
• Tape application followed orthopedic procedures and was occluded by a cast for three weeks.

Findings:

• Wood rosin in surgical tape adhesive is a potential allergen.
• Prolonged occlusion under a cast may exacerbate or facilitate the development of ACD.
• Consistent exposure history points to wood rosin as the causative agent.

Implications:

• Clinicians should consider wood rosin allergy in patients developing dermatitis post-orthopedic surgery with cast occlusion.
• Alternative wound closure methods or hypoallergenic tapes may be necessary for susceptible individuals.
• Further research into the prevalence and management of wood rosin allergy in medical settings is warranted.