Downward trend of sensitization to glyceryl monothioglycolate in german hairdressers

Background: Due to a high incidence of cases of (occupational) sensitizatio n to glyceryl monothioglycolate (GMT), products containing this compound we re withdrawn from the German market some 8 years ago. Methods: We analyzed the data of the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology in German y which included 1,336 hairdressers who had been tested with GMT (1% in pet rolatum) between 1992 and 1998. Results: The proportion of hairdressers rea cting positively to GMT fell from initially 45% in 1992 to less than 20% in 1997 and 1998. Conclusion: This most likely reflects the above-mentioned p reventive action. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.