Contact Dermatitis to Isothiazolinone Preservatives

AbstractPurpose of ReviewAllergic contact dermatitis due to isothiazolinone derivatives is frequently observed both in consumers and in occupational exposures. In this article, we will review contact dermatitis to the most commonly used isothiazolinones, including trends in rates of allergy globally based on legislative changes, as well as looking at clinical presentation, diagnostic, and future considerations.Recent FindingsIsothiazolinone derivatives are ubiquitous in cosmetic, cleaning, and industrial products and are a significant cause of allergic contact dermatitis as highlighted by the epidemic of allergy seen with methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI) and methylisothiazolinone (MI) which peaked in 2013 –2014 in the EU. Changes in EU cosmetic legislation have led to a reduction in cases of allergic contact dermatitis from MCI/MI and MI. However, there is a degree of variability in legislation regarding permitted use in Europe and internationally, with cases in the USA and Canada still remaining h igh. We are also seeing an emergence of cases from other isothiazolinones, particularly benzisothiazolinone (BIT), increasingly being used by the chemical industry, resulting in not only occupational contact allergy but also an issue for consumers using non-cosmetic products such as in paints, deter gents, and glues. The clinical presentation is variable and often reflected by the exposure pattern and isothiazolinone involved based on its permitted use i...
Source: Current Dermatology Reports - Category: Dermatology Source Type: research