Sunscreen sensitization: A three-year study

Abstract

Background: In the last decade UV filters have been incorporated in a large number of cosmetic products. Objective: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the prevalence of sunscreen allergy in patients with a suspected photodermatitis. Methods: 108 patients were patch-tested with the Gruppo Italiano Ricerca Dermatiti da Contatto e Ambientali (GIRDCA) standard series and photopatch-tested with the photopatch series. Results: Allergy and/or photoallergy to sunscreening agents was diagnosed in 8 subjects (7.4%). Oxybenzone was positive in 4 patients, isoproyl dibenzoylmethane in 3 patients, p-aminobenzoic acid and 2-ethylhexyl-p-methoxycinnamate in 1 patient, respectively. Conclusion: Our results obtained during a 3-year period (January 1990 to June 1993) confirm that sunscreens are presently the commonest photoallergens.