Persistent photosensitivity after allergic contact dermatitis to epoxy resin

Tiffany Kwok, Cheryl F. Rosen, Frances J. Storrs, Edmund Lobel, Joel G. DeKoven

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Persistent photosensitivity after allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to epoxy resin has rarely been described. Objective: The aim of this study was to create awareness that ACD to epoxy may be a trigger for persistent photosensitivity. Methods: We present a series of 5 patientswho developed ACD to epoxy resin and later a photodistributed eczematous eruption when exposed to sunlight, with a documented decrease in minimal erythema dose to UVA and UVB. Results: The age of patients ranged from 34 to 71 years, and there were 3 men and 2 women. Each patient had occupational exposure to epoxy. Symptoms of epoxy ACD preceded photosensitivity by 5 months to 12 years in 3 cases and occurred simultaneously in 2 cases. Patch testing to epoxy resin was positive in all patients. Phototesting revealed a decreased minimal erythema dose to UVA and UVB in each of the 3 patients who were phototested. Photopatch testing was positive for epoxy resin in 1 of the 2 patients tested. All patients remained photosensitive for at least 2 years after diagnosis, with only 1 case of photosensitivity resolving with extended avoidance of epoxy. Conclusions: There is an association between ACD to epoxy resin and development of persistent photosensitivity. Possible mechanisms to explain the relationship between the 2 phenomena are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)124-130
Number of pages7
JournalDermatitis
Volume24
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Dermatology

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