Allergic contact dermatitis due to a PVC table cover

Abstract

Background: Plastics are a common cause of occupational skin disorders such as irritant or allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). Case report: We report a case of occupational ACD due to a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic table cover used as a mouse pad for which we performed patch tests and obtained positive patch tests for the PVC table cover. Composition testing revealed the presence of phthalates and phosphites, which may represent the specific allergens. Conclusions: Contact with some of the chemical components of the PVC table cover, together with a combination of sweating and friction, may have enhanced the allergenicity of these components. Workplace adjustment resulted in disappearance of the dermatitis. © The Author 2010. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Occupational Medicine. All rights reserved.