Sensitivity to isopropyl alcohol.

Positive patch test reactions to isopropyl alcohol in connection with proved allergy to ethyl alcohol have already been published. A case of allergy to isopropyl alcohol with positive reactions to isopropanol (unpurified test material) and negative reactions to ethanol and methanol has also been reported. We report a case of a occupationally acquired sensitivity to isopropyl alcohol in which, on testing with gas chromatographically purified material, positive patch test reactions were found to 1-propanol, 1-butanol, 2-propanol, 2-butanol and methanal (formaldehyde) but not to the primary alcohols methanol, ethanol and amyl alcohol; not to the aldehydes acetal (acetaldehyde) and butanal; nor to the ketones acetone, butanon and isobutyl ketone, nor to methanoic (formic)acid. A tentative explanation for this peculiar pattern of reactions is given.