Contact dermatitis and gastrointestinal symptoms from hydroxyethylmethacrylate.

A laboratory technician developed allergic contact dermatitis to hydroxyethylmethacrylate associated with nausea, diarrhoea and persistent paresthesiae of the fingertips. The gastrointestinal symptoms were reproduced by patch testing. Hydroxyethylmethacrylate was demonstrated to pass through vinyl gloves. Cross reactions occurred to methyl-, ethyl-, propyl- and isopropylmethacrylate but not to butyl- or isobutylmethacrylate.