2-Amino-4-hydroxyethylaminoanisole sulfate - a coupler causing contact allergy from use in hair dyes

Background. Allergic contact dermatitis resulting from the use of permanent hair dyes is common. Approximately 100 hair dye chemicals are permitted in Europe. Hair dye ingredients may change over time, and hence new hair dye allergens should be looked for continuously. Objectives. To review positive patch test reactions to the coupler 2-amino-4-hydroxyethylaminoanisole sulfate 2% pet. from 2005 to 2014. Methods. Patch test results from the Allergen Bank database for eczema patients patch tested with 2-amino-4-hydroxyethylaminoanisole sulfate 2% pet. from 2005 to 2014 were reviewed. Results. A total of 902 dermatitis patients (154 from the dermatology department and 748 from 65 practices) were patch tested with amino-4-hydroxyethylaminoanisole sulfate 2% pet. from 2005 to 2014. Thirteen (1.4%) patients had a positive patch test reaction. Our results do not indicate irritant reactions. Conclusions. 2-Amino-4-hydroxyethylaminoanisole sulfate is a new but rare contact allergen.