Patch Testing of Mercaptobenzothiazole and Mercapto Mix: The North American Contact Dermatitis Group Experience, 1994-2016.
Dermatitis 2020;
32:232-244. [PMID:
33273233 DOI:
10.1097/der.0000000000000675]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Mercapto compounds are a category of rubber accelerators that may cause allergic contact dermatitis. This study characterizes patch test reactions to mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) and mercapto mix (MM) in a large North American population.
METHODS
The 1994-2016 North American Contact Dermatitis Group screening series data were analyzed. Patients with allergic reactions to either MBT or MM (mercapto+) were included. The following characteristics were analyzed: strength of reaction, clinical and occupational relevance, coreactivity with other rubber accelerators, and sources of exposure.
RESULTS
A total of 49,795 patients were tested to mercapto compounds from 1994 to 2016; 633 (1.3%) had positive reactions to MBT and/or MM. The frequency to both MBT and MM significantly decreased over time (P < 0.0001). Mercapto+ patients were significantly more likely to be male, have occupationally related skin disease, and report involvement of the hands and/or feet (P < 0.0001). They were significantly less likely to have face, scalp/ears/neck, or trunk involvement (P ≤ 0.0001). There was significant coreactivity with carba mix (23.4%) and thiuram mix (32.5%). Mercaptobenzothiazole and MM reactions were frequently clinically (81.7% and 83.5%, respectively) and occupationally relevant (29.8% and 33.4%, respectively). Gloves were the most common source (31.3% and 30.9%, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
Patch test positivity to mercapto compounds significantly decreased from 1994 to 2016 but remains clinically and occupationally relevant.
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