Abstract
A 26-year-old female developed contact dermatitis after wearing moisture-absorbing, heat-generating, fiber underwear (Underwear A). Patch testing (PT) showed a positive reaction to Underwear A. At the same time, the Patch Test Panel® (Sato Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) was applied, and all allergens were negative. As the causative agent could not be identified, a component analysis of Underwear A and preparation of PT reagents for each component were requested from the National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE). PT with these reagents revealed a positive reaction to a component presumed to be an anti-static agent, allowing identification of the causative substance.
In cases of contact dermatitis caused by the daily-use of consumer products, product PT should first be performed to identify the cause, followed by component PT for more precise identification. For component PT, disclosure of ingredients by the product manufacturer and cooperation from organizations, such as NITE, are required.
