Late patch-test reaction to acrylates: a biochemical hypothesis.

Acrylates (acrylic and methacrylic compounds) are commonly used in dentistry as restorative materials, and their use is progressively increasing because of the concern for mercury-related health problems (allergic and nonallergic) due to their metal equivalents. However, acrylates are not completely safe from an allergologic point of view. We report a case of multiple patch-test reactions to acrylates and methacrylates that occurred at various times between 24 hours and 7 days after test application.