Introduction

Acrylates are salts or esters of the acrylic acid, widely used as part of cosmetic or dental products, surgical equipment, medical devices, household items, building materials and printing inks. Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) caused by (metha)acrylates could be described in occupational settings, mainly in beauticians using acrylic manicure and, specifically, the photo-bonded long-lasting nail polish. The use of gloves, fingertips made of Polyethylene/ Ethylvinyl-alcohol, mask, safety glasses and an appropriate uniform are recommended in these cases.

Materials and methods

We present a retrospective study of ACD to acrylates diagnosed at an Hospital in Braga (Portugal), between January 2012 and March 2018. In all cases the epicutaneous patch tests used included the Portuguese Contact Dermatitis Research Group baseline series and an extended series of (meth)acrylates.

Results

A total of 39 female patients had a sensitization to (metha)acrylates, aged between 21-66 years, with personal history of atopic eczema and allergic rhinitis in 23 and 26% of cases, respectively. The most frequent presentation was hand eczema (87%). Dorsal and palms were affected in an equal percentage of cases (38%) and nail dystrophy in 8% of patients. Ectopic lesions on the face were detected in 33% of cases, mostly with the involvement of the eyelids. Occupational related exposure due to (metha)acrylates was found in 69% of cases, mostly of them beauticians/ artificial nail technicians. The most common sensitizers among the 39 allergic individuals were 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA; positive in 97% of cases) and ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (positive in 69% of cases).

Conclusion

In our population, we highlight the high number of cases of ACD from (meth)acrylates in relation to artificial nails. Concerning to the health and safety of workers, it certainly deserves better preventive measures at the occupational level and specific regulation from the authorities concerned with the safety of consumers. HEMA was the most frequent positive allergen (above 90% of tests) and, in agreement with previous studies, can be considered a good screening allergen.

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