Gatica-Ortega ME, Pastor-Nieto MA, Giménez-Arnau AM, Mercader-García P, Sanz-Sánchez T, Carrascosa-Carrillo JM, Córdoba-Guijarro S, Sánchez-Pérez J, Silvestre JF, Frutos FJO, Tous-Romero F, Fernández-Redondo V, Serra-Baldrich E, Ruíz-González I, González Pérez R, Miquel-Miquel J, Guillén PS, Hervella-García M, Heras-Mendaza F, Gómez-de-la-Fuente E, Zaragoza-Ninet V, Gilo AS, Rodríguez-Serna M, Melé-Ninot G, Descalzo MÁ, de-Vega M, García-Doval I, and Borrego L
Background: A global epidemic of allergic contact dermatitis to (meth)acrylates has been described in relation to the widespread use of manicure products., Objectives: To evaluate the frequency of sensitization to 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (2-HEMA) among consecutively patch tested patients with eczema in Spain; the percentage of current relevance; the MOAHLFA index; and, the potential sources of exposure to (meth)acrylates., Methods: From January 2019 to December 2022, 2-HEMA 2% pet. was prospectively patch tested in 24 REIDAC (Spanish Allergic Contact Dermatitis Registry) centres., Results: Six thousand one hundred thirty-four patients were consecutively patch tested with 2-HEMA 2% pet. 265/6134 (4.3%) were positive. Positive reactions of current relevance were identified to involve 184/265 (69%). The efficiency (number of patch tests needed to detect relevant positive patch test reactions) was 34 (6134/184). The variable 'occupational' was found to be significantly associated with a higher risk for relevant positive reactions to 2-HEMA (OR: 10.9; 95% CI: 8.1-14.9)., Conclusion: (Meth)acrylate sensitization is a prevalent health issue in Spain. 2-HEMA 2% pet. has been identified to be a highly effective (meth)acrylate allergy marker in the GEIDAC baseline series. The responsible authorities should implement policies guaranteeing accurate labelling of industrial, medical, and consumer materials while ensuring the enforcement of said labelling through appropriate legal means., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)