Contact allergy to chloroacetamide

Abstract

Chloroacetamide is an uncommon skin care product allergen. A case of allergic contact dermatitis to this preservative is described in a patient who reacted to an underarm deodorant.

Allergic contact dermatitis to sodium benzoate chloroacetamide in a sorbolene lotion

“…1 Sodium benzoate chloroacetamide has been shown to have a broad spectrum of activity against bacteria, mould, yeast and fungi, initially acting as a biostatic agent, and at higher concentrations, acting as a microbiocidal agent. 5 Sodium benzoate chloroacetamide is used in many cosmetic applications including shampoos, shower gels, bath foams, creams and lotions.…”

“…Case reports of allergic contact dermatitis to chloroacetamide in the literature mention only two references to the combination of chloroacetamide and sodium benzoate, including another report from Australia. 1,2 We present a patient with occupational allergic contact dermatitis to the preservative sodium benzoate chloroacetamide found in a sorbolene lotion.…”

Frequency of positive patch test reactions to preservatives: The Australian experience

“…The recent Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) of the EU compiled all reported cases of chloroacetamide allergy, including data from Australia, and reported an allergy frequency rate of approximately 1% . Reported cases in the literature were linked to sorbolene lotion, roll‐on deodorant, wall paint, leather shoes and anti‐wrinkle serum . Chloroacetamide is also used as a biocide in soluble cutting oils and in the leather, paper, textile and plastic industries…”