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Publication

Allergic contact dermatitis from potassium sorbate and sorbic acid in topical pharmaceuticals and medical devices

Journal Contribution - Journal Article

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.
Journal: Contact dermatitis
ISSN: 0105-1873
Volume: 85
Pages: 171 - 177
Publication year:2021
Keywords:A1 Journal article
BOF-keylabel:yes
BOF-publication weight:3
CSS-citation score:2
Authors from:Higher Education
Accessibility:Open