Contact Dermatitis From Cellulose Ester Plastics

Cellulose ester plastics are particularly suited for eyeglass frames, hearing aids, and other tough, transparent plastics which often contact the skin for prolonged periods. Dermatitis from such plastics may result from pressure, chemical irritation, or allergy. Six patients with allergic contact dermatitis from cellulose ester plastics were studied and the allergens identified. The most frequent sensitizer was the ultraviolet stabilizer, resorcinol monobenzoate. An antioxidant,p-tert-butylphenol, and two dyes in a black plastic colorant were also shown by patch testing to be responsible for allergic contact dermatitis.