Sensitization and development of allergic contact dermatitis caused by a single contact with an electrosurgical grounding plate containing acrylates

Acrylates are known as potent sensitizers which can cause sensitization eve n during patch testing. A single exposure to concentrated acrylates can ind uce primary sensitization and contact dermatitis. Here we describe a 50-yea r-old man who developed contact dermatitis at the site of an electrosugical grounding plate 2 weeks after orthopedic surgery. Patch testing revealed p ositive reactions to the electrosugical plate and its components hydroxyeth yl acrylate and hydroxyethyl methacrylate. As the patient has never had con tact with acrylate-containing materials before, there is a high probability of primary sensitization by a single contact with the grounding plate duri ng surgery.