Allergic contact dermatitis from dodecyl maleamic acid in Curad adhesive plastic bandages

Two patients, who developed eczematous eruptions beneath Curad-brand medical adhesive plastic bandages, were found to have allergic contact dermatitis to N-dodecyl maleamic acid. N-dodecyl maleamic acid is a monomer used in the production of the adhesive in Curad bandages. Our patients were also sensitive to several closely related chemical compounds. We discuss the chemical requisite for allergenicity of these compounds. These are the first documented cases of allergic contact dermatitis from dodecyl maleamic acid.