Spa contact dermatitis

Dermatitis. 2008 Mar-Apr;19(2):100-1.

Abstract

Potassium monopersulfate (MPS) is widely used in spa and pool "shock" treatments, yet contact dermatitis associated with MPS has been rarely reported. A patient presented with a generalized scattered dermatitis from the neck down that worsened after spa use. Patch testing elicited a ++ reaction to ammonium persulfate. Contact with ammonium persulfate was ruled out; however, MPS, which can cross-react with ammonium persulfate, was found to be the active ingredient in the patient's spa shock treatments. The dermatitis cleared after the patient switched to a hydrogen peroxide-based shock treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Ammonium Sulfate / immunology
  • Baths / adverse effects*
  • Cross Reactions
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / diagnosis
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / etiology*
  • Disinfectants / adverse effects*
  • Disinfectants / immunology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patch Tests
  • Potassium Compounds / adverse effects*
  • Potassium Compounds / immunology
  • Sulfates / adverse effects*
  • Sulfates / immunology

Substances

  • Disinfectants
  • Potassium Compounds
  • Sulfates
  • ammonium peroxydisulfate
  • potassium persulfate
  • Ammonium Sulfate