Results of patch testing 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) in the European baseline series: A 4‐year retrospective study.

Background: 2‐Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) was added to the European baseline series (EBS) in 2019. Few recent data are available on the frequency and relevance of positive reactions to this hapten. Objectives: To investigate the frequency and relevance of positive patch tests to HEMA in the EBS in a university hospital in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Patients and Methods: Retrospective study in patients with positive patch tests to HEMA investigated between June 2019 and August 2023. Results: Of 2927 consecutive patients, 88 (79 women and 9 men; 3.0%) had a positive reaction to HEMA. The prevalence in women was 3.9%, in men 1.0%. Forty‐three (49%) reactions were judged to be of current clinical relevance and 21 (24%) of past relevance. In this group of 64 patients with relevant reactions, 18 (28%) had occupational contact with (meth)acrylate‐containing products, of who 11 (61%) were nail stylists. In 46 patients with non‐occupational allergic contact dermatitis, 31 (67%) had allergic reactions to nail cosmetics. Glues and glue‐containing products accounted for 22% of the materials causing allergic contact dermatitis and dental products for 8%. Conclusions: Allergic reactions to HEMA are very frequent in women investigated in Amsterdam. Nearly two thirds of cases were caused by nail cosmetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]