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Cross-reactions among parabens, para-phenylenediamine, and benzocaine: a retrospective analysis of patch testing.

Author(s): Turchin I, Moreau L, Warshaw E, Sasseville D

Affiliation(s): McGill University Health Centre, Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal, PQ, Canada.

Publication date & source: 2006-12, Dermatitis., 17(4):192-5.

BACKGROUND: Parabens are alkyl ester derivatives of para-hydroxybenzoic acid and are the most commonly used preservatives in the cosmetic industry. Cross-reactions with para-amino compounds, namely, benzocaine and para-phenylenediamine (PPD), have been reported but are thought to be extremely rare. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the rate of cross-reactivity between parabens, PPD, and benzocaine in a population of patients patch-tested in a hospital-based contact dermatitis clinic. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 4,368 patients consecutively patch-tested between July 1989 and June 2005. RESULTS: Our study demonstrated that the rate of cross-reactions to parabens in PPD- and benzocaine-positive patients combined is 2%. CONCLUSION: This cross-reaction rate is significant in the tested population but still falls within the previously reported rates of sensitivity to parabens in the general population (0 to 3.5%).

Page last updated: 2007-05-03

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