Three cases of contact allergy after chemical burns from methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone: one with concomitant allergy to methyldibromoglutaronitrile/phenoxyethanol.

BACKGROUND

Methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI) is known to be a contact sensitizer. It is used extensively in cosmetic products in low concentrations. Occupational exposure usually occurs with concentrated solutions and results in a different reaction pattern.

RESULTS

Three workers developed chemical burns and subsequent sensitization after exposure to concentrated solutions of MCI/MI. One patient was also occupationally sensitized to methyldibromoglutaronitrile/phenoxyethanol.

CONCLUSION

Exposure to concentrated solutions of some allergens can be severely irritating in the occupational setting and can probably induce sensitization.