Unusual allergic contact dermatitis produced by a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator

Allergic contact dermatitis caused by acrylic acid used in transcutaneous electrical nervous stimulation

“…Previously, 4 cases of contact allergy to (meth)acrylates used in TENS have been reported . Prior to that, there were reported cases of allergic contact dermatitis caused by propylene glycol in a conductive gel used for TENS application , 1 case report of contact allergy to nickel in a TENS electrode , and 1 case report of TENS contact dermatitis in which the allergen was not identified .…”

Electrical Neuromodulation and the Heart with Special Emphasis on Myocardial Ischemia

“…43 However, the drawback of TENS is that the plasters on the chest may induce ortho-ergic reactions (contact dermatitis) in 20-30% of the patients, come off during sweating and are difficult to attach on hairy chests or females with large mamma. 44,45 So, these shortcomings often necessitate a withdrawn from TENS therapy.…”

The effect of electrical stimulation on skin vulnerability to irritants

“…8,9 Contact dermatitis has been reported following continuous TENS electrode use. It can be brought on by direct contact with allergens such as acrylic acid in self-adhesive electrodes, 10,11 propylene glycol in conductive gel, 12 or rubber and nickel in a TENS electrode. [13][14][15] Although the studies cited may have demonstrated limited skin irritation or dermatitis within the electrode boundaries, it is important to keep in mind that the electrical current has the potential to affect areas of the skin and other tissues that it passes through, which may lead to further adverse reactions.…”