A Case of allergic Contact Dermatitis from Glutaraldehyde

Yi, Gil Ju; Choi, Hyun Chul; Ahn, Kyu Joong

Abstract

Glutaraldehyde is commonly used as a biocide to disinfect delicate instruments such as dental instruments, to treat warts, hyperhidrosis and bullous diseases and as a preservative in various materials. Contact sensitivity to glutaraldehyde may not be detected, because it is not included in the standard screening chemicals recommended in the screening tests. We report a case of allergic contact dermatitis caused by Wydex(2% glutaraldehyde). A 54-year-old female made a visit to our departrnent with eczematous dermatitis of both hands, neck and face. She worked as a cleaner in delivery room and newborn nursery, and had developed the dermatitis 1 month after Wydex' containing 2% glutaraldehyde had been to clean the rooms. She had no family or personal history of atopy or contact dermatitis. Patch tests with Korean Standard(KS-1000) and Wydex were performed, and patch tests with 2% glutaraldehyde, 0.2% gluteraldehyde and rubber mix followed. The positive results were, Wydex 2% ++, 0.2% +, 0.02% + and. glutaraldehyde 2% aq. +, 0.2% aq. + on day 2 and day 4. We confirmed that the skin lesions had been caused by Wydex . The symptoms were eradicated after she changed her work environment and there has been no evidence of recurrence.