Use of cosmetics by Danish women
acrylic compound such as trimethyl propane trimethacrylate (TPC). This is of considerable significance since TPC may cause allergic contact dermatitis in ultraviolet cured printing inks (Nethercott 1978). Finally, Chung & Giles (1977) showed that guinea pigs could be strongly sensitized to methyl-, ethyland n-butyl methacrylate in ethanol or olive oil by the topical route, or in saline by the intradermal route. For elicitation of skin reactions, topical challenge with the compounds in olive oil or intradermal challenge with saline as the solvent was necessary. All sensitized animals responded strongly not only to the inducting methacrylate but also to the other methacrylates, showing that mutual cross-sensitivity had occurred. They concluded by stating that, "Since methyl methacrylate has been reported to be a potent sensitizer in humans, the guinea pig model described here may be useful for screening products before marketing."
Sensitization potentials of methyl, ethyl, and n-butly methacrylates and mutual cross-sensitivity in guinea pigs.
Guinea pigs could be strongly sensitized to methyl, ethyl, and n-butyl methacrylates in ethanol or olive oil by the topical route, or in saline by the intradermal route. For elicitation of skin reactons, topical challenge with the compounds in olive oil or intradermal challenge with saline as the solvent was neccessary. Topical challenge with the methacrylates in ethanol failed to elicit any allergic skin reactions because of their volatility. All sensitized animals responded strongly not only to the inducing methacrylate but also to the other methacrylates, showing that mutual cross-sensitivity had occurred. Since methyl methacrylate has been reported to be a potent sensitizer in humans, the guinea-pig model described here may be useful for screening products before marketing.
Onycholysis due to acrylic nail applications
Prior to her attendance at the Dermatology clinic the patient (Mrs O.S.B.,* age 59 years) attended a commercial establishment (Just Nails) specializing in the artificial enlargement and beautifying of the finger nails. The procedure is as follows: after roughening with a burr the nail plate is painted with liquid acrylic which, when hardened, produces a prosthetic nail which is enlarged and elongated by repeated applications. The prosthesis can be filed and manicured to shape and as the nail plate grows out further applications of acrylic are made to maintain an even contour. After several applications the patient noticed the development of paronychial soreness and marked finger nail changes.