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Title
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Allergic contact dermatitis from potassium sorbate and sorbic acid in topical pharmaceuticals and medical devices
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Author
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Abstract
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| Background The preservatives sorbic acid (SA) and potassium sorbate (PS) are considered rare skin sensitizers. PS-containing products always contain SA to a certain extent, and positivity to PS may reflect sensitization to SA. Their optimal patch-test conditions are unknown. Objectives To report on the outcome of testing with SA and PS in various concentrations and/or vehicles. Patients and methods Seventeen patients with allergic contact dermatitis from PS/SA-containing topical pharmaceuticals and medical devices were patch tested to SA 2% and 5% pet.; SA 1%, 2%, 3%, 5%. eth.; and/or SA 2% aq., whereas PS was patch tested 5% pet. and/or 5% aq. Results Only one patient, not tested to the ethanol preparations, presented with a (doubtful) positive reaction to SA 2% pet., while this remained negative in 13 patients who reacted to SA 2% eth. The preparations containing SA 5% pet.; 1%, 3%, and 5% eth.; and SA 2% aq. had little or no additional value. PS 5% pet. performed better than 5% aq., and always mirrored SA sensitization. Conclusions Sensitization to SA and PS is probably underestimated. SA 2% eth. and PS 5% pet. are preferred for patch testing, and patients sensitized to SA should avoid PS-containing products. Highlights Potassium sorbate (PS) and sorbic acid (SA) are widely used preservatives. PS-containing products always contain some SA. Both are considered rare skin sensitizers, but contact allergy in response to them might be underestimated. SA 2% eth. and PS 5% pet., rather than SA 2% pet. and PS 5% aq., respectively, may be required to diagnose contact allergy from PS/SA-containing topical pharmaceuticals and medical devices. A positive patch test to PS reflects sensitization to SA, and patients sensitized to SA should also avoid PS-containing products. |
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Language
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English
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Source (journal)
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Contact dermatitis. - Copenhagen
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Publication
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Hoboken
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Wiley
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2021
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ISSN
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0105-1873
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DOI
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10.1111/COD.13829
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Volume/pages
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85
:2
(2021)
, p. 171-177
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ISI
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000630234300001
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Pubmed ID
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33656744
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Full text (Publisher's DOI)
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Full text (open access)
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Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
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