Tert-butylhydroquinone and tert-butylcatechol positivity as warning lights of skin sensitization to tert-butylphenol derivatives in adhesives and diabetes devices.

Introduction: Tert-butylphenol (TBP) derivatives, antioxidants in adhesives and diabetes devices, may provoke allergic contact dermatitis (ACD).

Objectives: The objective of this study is to report sensitization to TBP derivatives in medical devices and to highlight that tert-butylhydroquinone (BHQ) and tert-butylcatechol (TBC) are potential screeners in this regard.

Methods: Fifteen patients with ACD from adhesives and diabetes devices were patch tested to different TBPs: BHQ 1% pet.