Immediate contact hypersensitivity to acrylic acid.

A chemical worker developed acute generalized urticaria after working with acrylate compounds in a laboratory. Immediate-hypersensitivity testing to acrylic acid yielded a severe local reaction. Testing with other acrylate compounds was negative. Re-exposure in the work-place to vapors of acrylic acid resulted in generalized urticaria. With the cooperation of the employer, the patient moved to a marketing job with no contact with acrylic acid and has remained free of urticaria since.