A 5-Year Study of Contact Allergy to Quaternium-15

Abstract

A retrospective study of 5 years of patch test data was performed using a computer data base and chart review. From January 1983 to December 1987, 1,408 patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis were patch tested to the standard screening tray at our institution. Eighty-nine patients (6.3%) had positive patch test reactions to Quaternium-15. Black patients were found to have a higher incidence of sensitivity to this preservative than white patients (P = 0.015). Quaternium-15 was a relevant cause of dermatitis in 56% of patients with positive patch test reactions to this substance. Moisturizers and hair products were the most common products relevant to a past or present dermatitis. Three cases of occupational dermatitis due to Quaternium-15 sensitivity are described. Quaternium-15 2% in petrolatum was associated with more positive patch test reactions than Quaternium-15 2% in water (P < 0.001). Formaldehyde sensitivity was present in 55% of patients with contact allergy to Quaternium-15.