The epidemic of methylisothiazolinone: a European prospective study

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

  • Jakob F. Schwensen
  • Wolfgang Uter
  • Magnus Bruze
  • Cecilia Svedman
  • An Goossens
  • Mark Wilkinson
  • Ana Giménez Arnau
  • Margarida Gonçalo
  • Klaus E. Andersen
  • Evy Paulsen
  • Agner, Tove
  • Caterina Foti
  • Kristiina Aalto-Korte
  • John McFadden
  • Ian White
  • Johansen, Jeanne Duus

Background: The use of methylisothiazolinone (MI) in cosmetic products has caused an unprecedented epidemic of MI contact allergy. Current data concerning exposures at a European level are required. Objectives: To describe demographics and MI exposures for European patients with MI contact allergy. Methods: Eleven European dermatology departments from eight European countries prospectively collected data between 1 May and 31 October 2015 among consecutive patients who had positive patch test reactions to MI (2000 ppm aq.). Results: A total of 6.0% (205/3434; range 2.6–13.0%) of patients had positive patch test reactions to MI. Dermatitis most frequently affected the hands (43.4%), face (32.7%), arms (14.6%), and eyelids (11.7%); 12.7% had widespread dermatitis. For 72.7% (149/205), MI contact allergy was currently relevant mainly because of exposure to cosmetic products (83.2%; 124/149). Of these 124 patients, 19.5% were exposed to leave-on and rinse-off cosmetic products, 24.8% only to leave-on cosmetic products and 38.9% only to rinse-off cosmetic products containing MI or methylchloroisothiazolinone/MI. The majority of these (79%) noted onset of their dermatitis between 2013 and 2015. Fifteen patients (7.3%) had previously experienced allergic reactions when they were in newly painted rooms. Conclusion: Clinically relevant MI contact allergy remains prevalent across European countries, mainly because of exposure to rinse-off and leave-on cosmetic products.

Original languageEnglish
JournalContact Dermatitis
Volume76
Issue number5
Pages (from-to)272-279
Number of pages8
ISSN0105-1873
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2017

    Research areas

  • allergic contact dermatitis, CAS no. 2682-20-4, cosmetics, exposure, methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone

ID: 196142098