Occupational airborne allergic contact dermatitis from methacrylates in a dental nurse

Background: There are very few reports of airborne allergic contact dermatitis from methacrylates. Objectives: To report a dental nurse with facial eczema supposedly caused by airborne methacrylates present in the work environment. Methods: Patch testing with serial dilutions of several methacrylates and work provocations in environments containing methacrylates was performed. Results: Patch testing with serial dilutions of several methacrylates disclosed a high patch test reactivity. Repeated provocations when working with methacrylates resulted in facial eczema that resolved out of work. Attempts to collect the sensitizers using air pumps for the collection of vapors and filters for the collection of air-born aerosols failed. Conclusions: The clinical presentation was that of a facial dermatitis due to airborne exposure to methacrylates. It seems likely that 1 or several of these allergens caused the dermatitis.