Contact allergy to acrylates and methacrylates in consumers and nail artists - data of the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology, 2004-2013

Background. Allergic contact dermatitis caused by (meth) acrylates used in artificial nails is a relevant problem in both nail artists and consumers. Objective. To analyse the frequency of this problem in the contact allergy surveillance network Information Network of Departments of Dermatology in 2004-2013, and address possible time trends and patterns of co-sensitization. Methods. A retrospective analysis of patch test results with (meth) acrylates, along with clinical and demographic data, was performed. These were used to subdivide patients according to (i) a potentially exposed occupation and (ii) nail cosmetics as the suspected cause of contact dermatitis. Results. Among the 114 440 patients patch tested, 72 244 were female and were considered further. Eighty-seven patients both worked as nail artists/cosmetologists and suspected nail cosmetics as the cause of dermatitis. Among these, 47.1% reacted to at least one (meth) acrylate, most often to 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (n= 27), 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate, and hydroxyethyl acrylate (n= 26 each), with marked coupled reactivity. In other subgroups of interest, frequencies of sensitization to (meth) acrylates were less elevated but higher than in all remaining female patients (n= 69 419). Conclusions. The results indicate a not entirely common, but potentially serious, problem, especially concerning occupationally exposed, and sensitized, nail artists. Adequate protective measures should be taught as part of the vocational training.