Case report

Two cases of occupational allergic contact dermatitis from a cycloaliphatic epoxy resin in a neat oil: Case Report

Charlotte D Jensen^* and Klaus E Andersen

• * Corresponding author: Charlotte D Jensen charlotte.devantier.jensen@ouh.fyns-amt.dk

Author Affiliations

Department of Dermatology, Odense University Hospital, University of Southern Denmark, Odense and National Allergy Research Centre, Gentofte, Denmark

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Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source 2003, 2:3 doi:10.1186/1476-069X-2-3

Published: 26 March 2003

Abstract

Background

Metal-working fluids contain complex mixtures of chemicals and metal workers constitute a potential risk group for the development of allergic contact dermatitis.

Case presentation

Two metal workers developed allergic contact dermatitis on the hands and lower arms from exposure to a neat oil used in metal processing. Patch testing revealed that the relevant contact allergen was a cycloaliphatic epoxy resin, 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, bis(oxiranylmethyl) ester, added to the oil as a stabilizer. None of the patients had positive reactions to the bisphenol A-based epoxy resin in the standard series.

Conclusions

These cases emphasize that well-known contact allergens may show up from unexpected sources of exposure. Further, it can be a long-lasting, laborious process to detect an occupational contact allergen and cooperation from the patient and the manufacturer of the sensitizing product is essential.