Benzalkonium Chloride: An Irritant and Sensitizer

Abstract

Widespread exposure to irritants in dermatitis patients can predispose to sensitization. Products containing BAK or potential cross-reactors should be used carefully in patients with compromised skin barriers.

Triple relevant sensitization to didecyldimethylammonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, and polyhexamethylene biguanide in a hospital cleaner

“…2,3 Nevertheless, these quaternary ammonium compounds, as well as PHMB, may cause clinically relevant contact allergy, and all three can also cause immediate-type hypersensitivity. 2,3,[6][7][8][9] The present case illustrates the contact allergenic nature of BAC and DDAC, and underlines the usefulness of using dilution series to demonstrate this. Moreover, it appears that DDAC and BAC are perhaps best patch tested in a pet.-and aq.-based vehicle, respectively.…”

“…Being notorious skin irritants, the interpretation of patch test reactions to DDAC and BAC can be difficult, and false‐positive patch test reactions might occur 2,3 . Nevertheless, these quaternary ammonium compounds, as well as PHMB, may cause clinically relevant contact allergy, and all three can also cause immediate‐type hypersensitivity 2,3,6‐9 . The present case illustrates the contact allergenic nature of BAC and DDAC, and underlines the usefulness of using dilution series to demonstrate this.…”

A Review on the Health Risks Associated with the Use of Products Containing Benzalkonium Chloride (BKC), Focusing on Humidifier Disinfectant Products

“…24) 또한 알레르기 접촉 피부염 위험에 관한 후향적 연구에서는, 0.1% 농도의 BKC 용액에서 각각 142명 중 29명(약 20%), 21) 615명 중 198명(약 32%)이 알레르기 양성 반응을 보였다. 25) BKC가 함유된 샴푸, 26) 살균제, 27) 소독 입욕 완화제(antiseptic bath emollient) 사용으로 인해 홍반이 나타난 사례, 28) 공기 중 의 BKC로 인해 접촉피부염이 발생한 사례 29,30) 들도 보고된 바 있다.…”

Post‐operative rashes in the orthopaedic ward caused by allergic contact dermatitis to Dermabond Prineo

“…Dermabond ® Prineo ® contains the same glue, with a self-adhesive polyester mesh containing benzalkonium chloride, a known allergen. 2 Since introduction five years ago, there have been 42…”