4,4′‐Thiobis(2‐tert‐butyl‐5‐methylphenol), an antioxidant in medical devices that may cause allergic contact dermatitis

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundAntioxidants in medical devices, added to protect polymers or adhesives, may also cause contact dermatitis in some individuals.ObjectivesTo present data on sensitization to 4,4′‐thiobis(2‐tert‐butyl‐5‐methylphenol), an antioxidant detected in some types of medical devices, for six patients that experienced eczematous reactions to different medical devices.MethodsPatch testing with 4,4′‐thiobis(2‐tert‐butyl‐5‐methylphenol), 1% pet was performed. Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) was used for identification of 4,4′‐thiobis(2‐tert‐butyl‐5‐methylphenol) in different medical device products.ResultsSix patients with contact allergy to 4,4′‐thiobis(2‐tert‐butyl‐5‐methylphenol) also had relevant contact allergic reactions to medical devices containing the antioxidant. The presence of the antioxidant in products was detected using GC‐MS analysis.ConclusionsThe antioxidant 4,4′‐thiobis(2‐tert‐butyl‐5‐methylphenol) may cause allergic contact dermatitis after exposure to different medical devices.