Contact sensitizations to disinfectants containing alcohols or quaternary ammonium compounds are rarely of clinical relevance

Background: The use of disinfectants is part of the everyday life of people, especially in the medical profession. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the use of disinfectants continues to increase and is of fundamental importance in infection control.

Objectives: To determine the frequency of sensitization and the value of patch testing to didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC) and the alcohols ethanol, 1-propanol, and isopropanol.

Methods: Clinical patch test data of 145 patients with suspected contact allergy to disinfectants were retrospective analysed.

Results: Among the 145 patients patch tested with the different alcohols, only one nurse was detected with a possible allergy to 1-propanol. Additional patch testing in 84 patients with DDAC 0.05% resulted in five patients with weakly positive reactions only, without clinical relevance. Patch testing with DDAC 0.03% showed no positive reactions at all on day 3 readings.

Conclusions: DDAC and alcohols are rarely responsible for allergic contact dermatitis. The accused products of the patients should be checked for other allergens and further additives with skin-irritating properties. Individual susceptibility and mishandling of the disinfectants should be considered.