Kathon CG y Dermatología Laboral. Actualización

Abstract

Kathon CG is the tradename for a mixture of isothiazolines: methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone. It is a widely used preservative, especially in the cosmetic industry, although in recent years is presence have also been imposed in cleaning products for household use and, at higher concentrations in industrial preparations such as cutting oils, latex emulsions, paints, oils for diesel engines, etc. Because of its high sensitizing power and widespread use, is currently one of the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis, both in our private lives, as in the occupational field. Objectives: To study the sensitizing capacity of Kathon CG and its relation to the development of allergic contact dermatitis of occupational origin. Methods: We performed a retrospective study by reviewing the medical records of patients seen at the Department of Occupationsal Dermatology at the Instituto Nacional de Medicina y Seguridad en el Trabajo, during the years 2008-2012. In that period, 1520 patients were evaluated and studied by patch testing, to rule out an occupational skin condition. We recorded cases of sensitization to Kathon CG and analyzed the following data: gender, age, occupational group, location of skin lesions, relevance and occupational origin. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 15.0. Results: We observed sensitization to Kathon CG in 88 patients (5.8%), and 42% were of occupational origin. Conclusions: Occupational contact allergy to Kathon CG is currently a problem of high prevalence. In patients with sensitization to this allergen, we should always ask about their occupation.