Occupational contact dermatitis to acrylates in a manicurist

Abstract

We report the case of a manicurist who developed an allergic skin reaction to acrylates, manifested by bullous lesions on fingertips and eczema of the hands and ears. Patch tests showed positive reactions to 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate, ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate, triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate, 1,6-hexandiol diacrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate and triethyleneglycol diacrylate. Because of her skin disorder, she had to give up her job. She was not correctly advised on retraining and started to work as a dental nurse. Soon after re-exposure to acrylates indental materials, she experienced recurrence of the skin symptoms. ©The Author 2013. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Occupational Medicine.All rights reserved.