Allergic Contact Dermatitis due to an Insect Repellent: Double Sensitization to Picaridin and Methyl Glucose Dioleate

Abstract

Sir, Picaridin, a piperidine derivate, is a promising insect repellent that has been available to the consumer since 1998 (1). Picaridin protects against arthropods in a similar fashion to diethyl toluamide (deet), which is considered the gold standard compound (2, 3). Picaridin is also better tolerated than deet (1, 4), a fact that has encouraged its use in repellent formulations. We describe here the first case of contact allergy to picaridin consequent to the application of an insect repellent aerosol for cutaneous use. Furthermore the patient was also sensitized to methyl glucose dioleate, an emulsifier of the aerosol, confirming its sensitizing potential.

Allergic contact dermatitis caused by a nursing comfort balm: methyl glucose dioleate as the sensitizing ingredient

“…To our knowledge, this is the first case of allergic contact dermatitis caused by a breastfeeding nursing balm, in which the patient reacted to MGD. Although the material safety data sheet refers only to the possibility of mild irritancy but no sensitizing properties, allergic contact dermatitis caused by MGD has been reported (1–7). The allergen was contained in topical medicaments for leg ulcers (5, 6), an antifungal paste (4), insect repellents (1, 2), or cosmetic creams (3, 7).…”

Safety Assessment of Methyl Glucose Polyethers and Esters as Used in Cosmetics

“…Allergic contact dermatitis (widespread, persistent itching dermatitis [erythema and edema]) was observed in a 39-yearold male a day after using the same insect repellant mentioned in the preceding case report. 55 In an open patch test of the repellant, an itching erythematous reaction was observed a few hours (exact time not stated) after patch application. Patch testing with methyl glucose dioleate (10% in petrolatum) revealed positive reactions after 2 and 3 days (þþþD2/ þþþD3).…”

A critical review of current laboratory methods used to evaluate mosquito repellents

“…Another reason for this continued search is because of individuals with skin allergies or sensitivities to some of the commonly-used active ingredients found in mosquito repellents ( 72 , 73 ). It is challenging to formulate novel, effective mosquito repellents that can compete with the top-performing products on the market.…”