INCREASING INCIDENCE OF CONTACT ALLERGIES DUE TO METHYLDIBROMOGLUTARONITRILE IN GERMANY

Methyldibromoglutaronitrile (Dibromodicyanobutans), in combination wit h phenoxyethanol is brine used as a preservative in cosmetics, skin ca re products, and other fields of application. The use of this combinat ion (trade name e.g. Euxyl K 400) is widespread and increasing during the last years. Contact allergies to methyldibromoglutaronitrile which was a weak sensitizer in animal stu dies increased since 1990 e.g, in the Netherlands and in Italy. The same tendency can be seen in German y. In the departments of dermatology joining the Information Network o f Departments of Dermatology (IVDK), the rate of positive reactions to Methyldibromoglutaronitrile increased from 0,5% in 1990 to 2,0% in 19 94. In 1990, 0,7% of the tested patients reacted to Euxyl K 400, in 19 94 it was 2,1%. Only a few positive reactions to phenoxyethanol were o bserved. Most frequently, cosmetics and skin care prouducts were the a llergen source. Euxyl K 400 is included in the standard series of the German Contact Dermatitis Research Group (DKG) since 1991.