Publications by authors named "Mei M Tam"

Isobornyl acrylate (IBOA) has recently caused a number of cases of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) from its use in medical devices. We would like to enhance the awareness of this issue with the reporting of three Australian cases, involving two adults and a child. We also report a successful solution by using hydrocolloid wafer (Stomahesive®) as a barrier.

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The Dermabond Prineo skin closure system (Ethicon, Somerville, New Jersey) is a wound closure device that combines a 2-octyl cyanoacrylate liquid adhesive and a self-adhesive polyester mesh. Although cyanoacrylates traditionally have been associated with low rates of sensitization, allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to Dermabond products is being increasingly reported after orthopedic surgery. The authors describe the first case series of ACD to Dermabond Prineo where patch testing confirmed the diagnosis in all patients.

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Background: Lavender is commonly used in aromatherapy and in a broad range of personal and household products. It has been identified as a contact sensitizer, and has been reported to cause allergic contact dermatitis (ACD).

Objectives: To report our experience with contact allergy and ACD caused by lavender, and to raise awareness of lavender as a potential contact allergen.

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We describe three patients who presented with a striking erythematous non-blanching annular eruption and features of lymphocytic thrombophilic arteritis (LTA), with a prominent lymphocytic vasculitis involving deep dermal vessels. Lymphocytic inflammation was also evident in the superficial vessels and one patient had small superficial ulcers over the ankle area resembling livedoid vasculopathy (LV). Multiple biopsies demonstrated a persistent absence of neutrophils in the infiltrate consistent with a lymphocytic process.

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Article Synopsis
  • A 50-year-old woman experienced allergic contact dermatitis from para-phenylenediamine, a common hair dye ingredient.
  • In her search for an alternative, she had allergic reactions to several plant-based hair dyes, including pure henna, black tea, and indigo powder.
  • Despite these substances containing tannins, tests showed that tannic acid and gallic acid were not responsible for her reactions.
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We report a case of a 12-year-old girl with severe allergic contact dermatitis following neurosurgery secondary to topical use of isopropyl alcohol swabs. Alcohol swabs should not be overlooked as potential allergens. In our case, it was initially assumed that the cause of her reaction was either tapes or topical local anaesthetic.

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Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory disorder with significant morbidity, associated with symptoms of pain and local discomfort. The concept of contact allergy aggravating or inducing OLP is recognised, and reported allergens include amalgam, metals used in dental restoration and flavourings. To date there has been only one case report of a contact allergy to spearmint oil in a patient with a 3-year history of OLP.

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Two patients presented with cheilitis and perioral dermatitis. Patch testing revealed positive reactions to both Myroxylon pereirae (MP; formerly known as Balsam of Peru) and Lucas Papaw Ointment (LPO; Lucas Papaw Remedies, Bisbane, Qld, Australia). MP was not listed as an ingredient in LPO, however the manufacturer confirmed that a small amount of MP was present in LPO and we believe this to be the cause of the patients' dermatitis.

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There have been recent concerns about the possible association between isotretinoin therapy and depressive symptoms. We conducted a prospective study to evaluate depressive symptoms and quality of life in acne patients having either isotretinoin or antibiotics/topical treatments. There were 215 patients (mean age 20 years) included in the study.

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