A rare case of allergic contact dermatitis caused by 3‐O‐ethyl‐L‐ascorbic acid in skin‐whitening cosmetics identified under immunosuppressive therapy

Abstract

The risk of developing hand dermatitis is significantly greater among healthcare professionals than in the general population, and the condition predominantly affects nurses, nursing auxiliaries, and cleaners. 1 The combination in healthcare professionals of frequent handwashing and glove wearing may promote irritant contact dermatitis that can evolve into allergic contact dermatitis. 2 Podiatrists are no exception, but in this occupation, other substances can cause allergies, and in particular resins used in the manufacture of insoles. 3 We report two cases of allergic contact dermatitis in podiatrists caused by phenolformaldehyde and epoxy resin, respectively. CASE REPORTS Case 1: A 69-year-old male podiatrist, with no history of atopy, presented with an 8-month history of hyperkeratotic fissured lesions on GAUTIER ET AL.

Seven cases of allergic contact dermatitis caused by cosmetics containing 3‐O‐ethyl‐L‐ascorbic acid

“…In previous reports, 2‐7 vehicles for 3‐O‐ethyl‐L‐ascorbic acid included pet., aq., or 50% ethanol, with concentrations of 0.05%‐5% 2,6 10%, 4,7 and 5% 5 in 50% aq./50% ethanol, respectively. Our results indicate that 3‐O‐ethyl‐L‐ascorbic acid is a frequent and relevant cosmetic sensitizer, and that the 10% aq.…”

Allergic contact dermatitis from vitamins: A systematic review

“…Also 3‐ O ‐ethylascorbic acid proved to be an emerging contact allergen due to its increasing diffusion as a whitening and antioxidant agent in cosmetics. 63 , 64 Since the first case of ACD to ascorbic acid described in 1980, 29 several cases of ACD to vitamin C, demonstrated through patch testing at different concentrations and vehicles, have been described. 65 , 66 , 67 Vitamin C patch testing was reported, with a weak but persistent response at D7 or D9 despite immunosuppressive therapy with methotrexate.…”

“… 65 , 66 , 67 Vitamin C patch testing was reported, with a weak but persistent response at D7 or D9 despite immunosuppressive therapy with methotrexate. 64 However, a ROAT with the suspected ingredient of a cosmetic product can be very useful in doubtful cases, also considering that patch testing with diluted ingredients in different vehicles may yield false negatives. 68 Moreover, neither the exact concentration nor the right vehicle have yet been established.…”

“…After the introduction of ascorbic acid semisynthetic esters in cosmetics, 62 ACD of the face and neck was reported in middle‐aged female patients. Also 3‐ O ‐ethylascorbic acid proved to be an emerging contact allergen due to its increasing diffusion as a whitening and antioxidant agent in cosmetics 63,64 . Since the first case of ACD to ascorbic acid described in 1980, 29 several cases of ACD to vitamin C, demonstrated through patch testing at different concentrations and vehicles, have been described 65–67 .…”

“…Since the first case of ACD to ascorbic acid described in 1980, 29 several cases of ACD to vitamin C, demonstrated through patch testing at different concentrations and vehicles, have been described 65–67 . Vitamin C patch testing was reported, with a weak but persistent response at D7 or D9 despite immunosuppressive therapy with methotrexate 64 . However, a ROAT with the suspected ingredient of a cosmetic product can be very useful in doubtful cases, also considering that patch testing with diluted ingredients in different vehicles may yield false negatives 68 .…”