Methacrylate and Acrylate Allergy in a Dental Patient, Two Dental Personnel, and a ‘Gel' Nail User

Abstract

　A 72-year-old female developed severe itching, pain, edema, and erosions on the ventral aspect of her tongue as well as lip edema. The affected areas came into contact with her new partial prosthesis and a restorative composite resin material. She had suffered from dental treatment/prosthesis-induced stomatitis since her fifties. The symptoms were so severe that she gave up wearing her denture. A patch test revealed positive reactions to five methacrylate allergens, including methyl methacrylate (MMA) , 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (2-HEMA) , and ethylene glycol dimethylacrylate (EGDMA) . A 27-year-old female dentist, a 47-year-old female dental assistant, and a 33-year-old gel nail user also developed allergic contact dermatitis on their hands from methacrylates. Sensitized individuals might experience difficulties during dental treatment and/or denture installation.

　Methacrylate allergy is rare in dental patients. Its diagnosis, clinical course, and treatment ; the allergens that can be used for screening; and preventive steps that can be taken by workers who handle methacrylates and acrylates are discussed.