Allergic contact dermatitis from sunscreen preparations complicating photodermatitis

Abstract

Two men with known histories of photosensitivity had apparent exacerbations of their dermatoses. Patch-testing showed the presence of allergic contact sensitivity to the sunscreens that they were using. The clinical distribution patterns of adverse reactions to sunscreens naturally simulate sun-induced reactions, thus providing clinical problems that require evaluation by both patch and photo-patch tests. These findings emphasize that allergic contact or photo-contact dermatitis from sunscreens that are used for prophylaxis of photodermatitis can actually complicate or aggravate the preexisting state of photodermatitis for which the sunscreens are prescribed.

Rates of allergic sensitization and irritation to oxybenzone‐containing sunscreen products: a quantitative meta‐analysis of 64 exaggerated use studies

“…Although the overall incidence of contact sensitization from oxybenzone remains uncertain, a few studies have reported on the incidence in specific circumstances (2,7,(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28). While numerous case studies of contact dermatitis and photocontact allergic dermatitis associated with oxybenzone have been reported (29)(30)(31)(32)(33)(34)(35)(36), the utility of these studies in predicting the incidence of allergies in the general population is considered limited because the sample populations consisted of individuals who sought medical attention for pre-existing skin conditions. The results from such studies may overestimate the incidence of allergic reactions to oxybenzone because the sample population selected for each study does not represent the general population.…”

“…The results from such studies may overestimate the incidence of allergic reactions to oxybenzone because the sample population selected for each study does not represent the general population. Given the overall size of the population using sunscreen products each year, reports of sunscreen sensitizations and irritations are rare (2,16,17,23,28,29,36,37). We analyzed data from 64 unpublished human repeat insult patch tests (HRIPT) and photoallergy (PA) studies sponsored by Schering-Plough HealthCare Products Inc. between 1992 and 2006.…”

“…The majority of published studies documenting cases of sensitizations/irritations associated with oxybenzone were conducted in individuals who had sought medical attention for pre-existing skin conditions. These conditions include, but are not limited to, contact dermatitis (2, 23), psoriasis (29), photodermatitis (21,27,29), photosensitivity dermatitis/ actinic reticuloid syndrome (24), polymorphic light eruption (20,24,31,42), persistent light reactivity (20), chronic actinic dermatitis (23), and severe acute dermatitis (30). While it is well known that patients with photodermatoses are more sensitive to light than people without skin conditions, several studies have recently shown that patients with photodermatoses may also have an increased risk of developing sensitization or irritation to the active ingredients found in sunscreen formulations, such as oxybenzone (7,17,18,21,(24)(25)(26)43).…”

“…The scientific literature clearly demonstrates that oxybenzone is an important broad-spectrum sunscreen agent, with significant UV absorbance in both the UVB (290-320 nm) and UVA (320-400 nm) wavebands (1,10). The literature also shows a low incidence of skin reaction to sunscreens in humans (2,16,17,23,28,29,36,37), which, combined with the demonstrated benefits of protecting the skin from UV radiation, indicates that there is no cause for significant concern regarding sensitization or irritation from oxybenzone among the general population.…”