BACKGROUND: Both active and inactive ingredients in sunscreen may cause contact dermatitis. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to describe allergens associated with a sunscreen source. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of patients patch tested by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group between 2001 and 2010 was performed. RESULTS: Of 23,908 patients patch tested, 219 (0.9%) had sunscreen coded as an allergen source. Patients who were male, with occupational dermatitis, or older (older than 40 years) had significantly lower rates of allergic reactions to sunscreens; the most commonly affected areas were the face and exposed sites (P < 0.0001). The top 3 most frequent allergens in sunscreens were benzophenone-3 (70.2% for 10% concentration, 64.4% for 3% concentration), DL-alpha-tocopherol (4.8%), and fragrance mix I (4.0%). Less than 40% of positive patch test reactions were detected by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group screening series of 65 to 70 allergens. CONCLUSIONS: A supplemental antigen series is important in detecting allergy to sunscreens.
BACKGROUND: Both active and inactive ingredients in sunscreen may cause contact dermatitis. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to describe allergens associated with a sunscreen source. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of patients patch tested by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group between 2001 and 2010 was performed. RESULTS: Of 23,908 patients patch tested, 219 (0.9%) had sunscreen coded as an allergen source. Patients who were male, with occupational dermatitis, or older (older than 40 years) had significantly lower rates of allergic reactions to sunscreens; the most commonly affected areas were the face and exposed sites (P < 0.0001). The top 3 most frequent allergens in sunscreens were benzophenone-3 (70.2% for 10% concentration, 64.4% for 3% concentration), DL-alpha-tocopherol (4.8%), and fragrance mix I (4.0%). Less than 40% of positive patch test reactions were detected by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group screening series of 65 to 70 allergens. CONCLUSIONS: A supplemental antigen series is important in detecting allergy to sunscreens.
Authors: Amaris N Geisler; Evan Austin; Julie Nguyen; Iltefat Hamzavi; Jared Jagdeo; Henry W Lim Journal: J Am Acad Dermatol Date: 2021-02-25 Impact factor: 11.527