Parabens are alkyl ester derivatives of para-hydroxybenzoic acid and are the most commonly used preservatives in the cosmetic industry. Cross-reactions with para-amino compounds, namely, benzocaine and para-phenylenediamine (PPD), have been reported but are thought to be extremely rare.
Objective:
To evaluate the rate of cross-reactivity between parabens, PPD, and benzocaine in a population of patients patchtested in a hospital-based contact dermatitis clinic.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis of 4,368 patients consecutively patch-tested between July 1989 and June 2005.
Results:
Our study demonstrated that the rate of cross-reactions to parabens in PPD- and benzocaine-positive patients combined is 2%.
Conclusion:
This cross-reaction rate is significant in the tested population but still falls within the previously reported rates of sensitivity to parabens in the general population (0 to 3.5%).
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