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Contact urticaria and asthma from denatonium benzoate (Bitrex)
Contact Dermatitis
|December 1, 1980
Summary
A patient experienced asthma and itching from products containing denatonium benzoate (Bitrex). Testing revealed immediate hypersensitivity to this chemical, suggesting an allergic reaction.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Toxicology
- Allergology
Background:
- Contact urticaria is a skin reaction that can be triggered by various substances.
- Denatonium benzoate is a bittering agent used in numerous consumer products to deter ingestion.
Observation:
- A 30-year-old male presented with asthma and pruritus following exposure to an insecticidal spray (Pyrex) and an alcoholic skin disinfectant (M-sprit).
- Both products contained denatonium benzoate (Bitrex) as a denaturant.
- Open epicutaneous testing demonstrated wheal and erythema upon application of Pyrex, M-sprit, and denatonium benzoate at a concentration of 2 x 10(-6) mg/L.
Findings:
- The patient exhibited immediate hypersensitivity to denatonium benzoate.
- The observed symptoms (wheal and erythema) are indicative of contact urticaria.
Implications:
- Denatonium benzoate can act as a contact allergen, eliciting immediate hypersensitivity reactions.
- This finding is significant for product safety and formulation, particularly for items applied to the skin or used in proximity to airways.
- Further investigation into the immunologic mechanisms of denatonium benzoate-induced urticaria is warranted.