Abstract
Allergic contact dermatitis to glyoxal, a dialdehyde frequently present in disinfectants, was observed in seven health care workers, four nurses, and three cleaners. Concomitant positive patch test reactions were found to formaldehyde in two of seven and to glutaraldehyde in three of six patients. All of the patients suffered from severe hand dermatitis. We conclude that glyoxal may be a clinically relevant occupational contact allergen in hospital personnel and that it should be included in the patch test evaluation of this population.
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