001600 - Allergic contact dermatitis caused by acrylates: two different perspectives on the same issue
Case report
Background:
The use of cosmetic products for manicures containing acrylates has increased. These compounds, in their monomeric form, are highly irritating and sensitizing, and are a relevant cause of allergic contact dermatitis, especially in estheticians and occasionally in users of long-lasting nail polishes.
Methods:
Patient 1:
A 42-year-old woman with recurrent periungual eczema. She worked as an esthetician and used acrylic nails. Patch tests were positive for Acrylonitrile 0.1%. She left her job as an esthetician and started working as a hairdresser, initially improving her symptoms. After a year, she returned to consultations with a new worsening of symptoms, repeating patch tests that showed a weak sensitivity to P-Phenylenediamine (PPDA).
Patient 2:
A 33-year-old woman with edema in both hands and eczematous lesions on her eye and fingers. She used self-applied acrylic nails. Patch tests revealed sensitivity to Hydroxy Methacrylate 2% and Ethyl Methacrylate 10%, as well as specific products with acrylates provided by the patient.
Discussion:
Acrlyates are a common cause of occupational contact dermatitis, present in various products, including semi-permanent and gel nails. Incomplete polymerization or contact with monomers increases the risk of sensitization. In estheticians, pulpitis is mainly observed in the dominant hand, progressing from exudative lesions to scaling and periungual pain. In users, symptoms include itching, pain, and changes in the nails. Male involvement is rare. Prevention includes proper instruction in handling acrylates, using triple-layer gloves (more effective than regular ones), and masks to prevent airborne sensitization.
Conclusions:
Two cases of acrylate dermatitis are presented: one in an esthetician and one in a frequent user. In the first case, there was also sensitization to P-Phenylenediamine. It is crucial to suspect acrylates in cases of pulpitis in workers and users of semi-permanent nails, considering other cosmetic components as well.
