Introduction

Colophony is a complex mixture of over one hundred compounds, resulting from the distillation of oleoresin, obtained from plants belonging to Pinaceae (mainly Pinus genus). The main allergens are the rosin oxidation products (unmodified and modified), as well as some of the new resin acids synthesized during their modification. It has numerous domestic or industrial applications, and exposure to these compounds is practically universal. We report a case of an occupational allergic contact dermatitis to colophony.

Case report

A 41-year-old caucasian male, graphic print operator for twenty-one years, was referred to the Dermatology Department of Hospital de Braga, due to erythematodesquamative lesions, located on the back and lateral side of the hands, with aggravation during the professional activity. His personal history was negative for allergic rhinitis, asthma and allergy to particular foods or drugs. These lesions have evolved chronically for about ten years, yielding to the topical application of corticosteroids. In the workplace, he is responsible to makes ready and operates sheet-fed offset printing press, that is, calibrates the equipment, fills ink and dampening solution fountains, examines printed copy for ink density and makes adjustments, sometimes without the proper use of personal protective equipment. The patient reported improvement of symptomatology with prolonged withdrawal from the workplace.

After resolution of symptoms, patch tests were carried out with the baseline standard Portuguese Contact Dermatitis Research Group series and a rubber series. A positive reaction was achieved to colophony (++) and abietic acid (++) at 72 and 96 hours. After checking the safety data sheets of printing inks and direct contact with their manufacturer, it was possible to confirm the presence of rosin derivatives. Later, the pathology was assumed as an Occupational Disease.

Discussion/conclusion

In printing ink industry, colophony and its derivatives are mainly used as colour carrier of the ink and to increase its adhesion to paper. In this worker, it was assumed a causal relationship between the exposure to the colophony present in the printing inks and the diagnosed of contact dermatitis. In this case, the implementation of collective protective measures as well as the use of personal protective equipment at work, its necessary to protect the user against health or the safety risk. It includes items such as nitrile gloves, protective clothing, a particle mask or respirator and the use of safety goggles. It is necessary to be aware of this etiology so that, in these workers, an early diagnosis can be made with the recommendation of appropriate protective measures.

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