Trend of contact allergy to cosmetic ingredients in Thais over a period of 10 years*

Abstract

Our study showed that ammoniated mercury is an emerging cosmetic allergen, showing an increased prevalence in recent years in Thailand. A focus is required on emerging cosmetic allergens and what may account for the upward trend of cosmetic contact dermatitis.

Risk factors and common contact allergens in facial allergic contact dermatitis patients

“…A total of 81.6% of the study population showed at least one positive reaction to the baseline allergens, a proportion that increased to 86.0% when the patients' own products were included. This finding is supported by a number of previous reports . Earlier reports of patch testing in facial dermatitis patients cite rates of positive response of 41.8–51.3% .…”

“…A 2.7% rate of PPD sensitization has been reported in the general Thai population, which is similar to rates reported in other parts of the world . In our clinic, the prevalence of a positive reaction to PPD rose from 6.5% in 1999 to 9.8% in 2008 . The face is a common site of manifestations of PPD allergy …”

The globalization of whitening: prevalence of skin lighteners (or bleachers) use and its social correlates among university students in 26 countries

“…This is cause for serious concern as recent studies in Thailand report an increase in the use of skin bleaching creams and that such creams contained a cosmetic allergen called ammoniated mercury. That being said, researchers have emphasized that attention be given to emerging cosmetic allergens as this may account for the upward trend of cosmetic contact dermatitis over the past 10 years …”

Cosmetic Contact Sensitivity in Patients with Melasma: Results of a Pilot Study

“…Nevertheless,chronic use of topical mercury may itself cause increased pigmentation due to accumulation of mercury granules in the dermis via absorption through hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Boonchai et al [1] also observed that ammoniated mercury showed a significantly increased tendency to cause cosmetic allergies over a 10-year period. Interestingly, mercury is rarely listed as a component of commercially available cosmetics.…”

“…Occasionally, patients may experience numerous allergic reactions to cosmetics or photosensitivity from photo-allergens in a cosmetic product and exposure to sunlight especially ultraviolet (UV)-A. The reported prevalence of cosmetic allergy varied between 29 and 36% during 1999 to 2008 while fragrances and preservatives were the most common allergens [1–4]. Similarly, sunscreen chemicals, used as such or as ingredients in other cosmetics, are a common cause of irritant or allergic contact dermatitis.…”