[Occupational allergy to acrylates--study of cases]

The results of patch tests with an acrylate series (29 chemical compounds) in 8 (3.4%) out of 235 patients with occupational dermatitis were presented. This group of patients consisted of four dentists--prosthodontists and four dental technicians. The following were the most frequent causes of allergy to acrylates: ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (5 positive patch tests), methyl methacrylate (4), 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (4), triethylene glycol dimethacrylate. Altogether there were 38 positive patch tests. Over-sensitivity to triacrylates, epoxy acrylate, N,N-methylenebis-acrylamide, urethan derivatives of acrylates and methacrylates was not observed. The most intense skin changes were observed in two prosthodontists involved as well ion general dentistry (deep fissures of digital pulp, trophic changes in nails) allergic to numerous acrylates and methacrylates (one to 14 and the other to 10).