Contact Dermatitis due to 2-ethylhexyl-4-methoxycinnamate Included in Temple Tips and Nose Pads of Spectacles

Abstract

　We report a 57-year-old woman who developed allergic contact dermatitis from the temple tips and nose pad of her spectacles. 2-Ethylhexyl-4-methoxycinnamate (brand name Parsol MCX^®, ultraviolet absorber) is a common component of sunscreens that often causes photo allergic contact dermatitis. There were two characteristic features in our case : spectacles and sunscreen not being the causative product ; the patch test, but not photo patch test, was positive. With this compound, the patch test was positive, while the photopatch test was negative. In addition, the positive findings of the patch test were comparable between UV-irradiated and non-irradiated trans compounds, although the ratio of cis to trans compounds was approximately 1 : 2. Thus, the patient was diagnosed as ACD, not PACD. This is the first report of allergic contact dermatitis due to 2-ethylhexyl-4-methoxycinnamate contained in spectacles for daily use. An ultraviolet absorber is often used to prevent deterioration from ultraviolet rays. An increase in similar cases in the future is expected.