This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.

Children experienced allergic contact dermatitis to methylisothiazolinone in wipes

Children with chronic dermatitis of the perianal, buttock and facial areas were found to have allergic contact dermatitis to methylisothiazolinone in wet wipes, according to recent study results.

Researchers studied six children (mean age, 4.83 years; four girls) who presented from March 2011 to January 2013 with recalcitrant perianal/buttock and facial eczematous dermatitis and were resistant to topical oral antibiotics and corticosteroids. Four of the patients had no history of eczema.

Thin-layer Rapid Use Epicutaneous Patch Test diagnosed all patients with allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI). Patches were worn for 48 hours.

None of the children wore diapers; however, all had been using wet wipes containing MI without MCI (Cottonelle and Huggies brands) on the affected areas. Complete resolution of dermatitis occurred after the wipes were discontinued.

“Wet wipes are increasingly marketed in personal care products for all ages, and MI exposure and sensitization will likely increase,” the researchers concluded. “Dermatitis of the perianal, buttock, facial and hand areas with a history of wet wipe use should raise suspicion of ACD to MI and prompt appropriate patch testing.

“Contact allergy to MI and other preservatives in wet wipes or baby wipes can result in significant eczematous dermatitis, which is often misdiagnosed as atopic dermatitis, impetigo, diaper dermatitis or psoriasis. Parents should be instructed to read labels and avoid all isothiazolinones in personal care and environmental products.”

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.