Sensitivity to sunscreens

The patients sensitized to sunscreen agents who attended our Contact Dermatitis Clinic between February 1985 to March 1987 have been reviewed. 15 (5%) of 280 patients tested with sunscreens had positive reactions: 3 of them were allergic to more than one agent. The most frequent contact allergens were hydroxy methoxy methyl benzophenone (Mexenone) [6]. followed by isopropyl dibenzylomethane (Eusolex 8020/8021) [5], octyl dimethyl para‐aminobenzoate [Escalol 507)[2]. and one reaction each to butyl methoxy dibenzoylmethane (Parsol 1739). amyl dimethyl para aminobenzoate (Escalol 506). and ethoxy ethyl‐p‐methoxy cinamate (Givtan F). Positive photopatch tests were seen with isopropyl dibenzoylmethane butyl methoxy dibenzoylmethane‐, para‐amtnobenzoate (PABA) and ethoxy ethyl‐p‐methoxy cinnamate, one reaction each.