Christian Avnstorp

Permeation of chromium salts through human skin in vitro.

Chromium permealation studies were performed on full thickness human skin in diffusion cells. AH samples were analysed for the total chromium content by graphite furnace Zeeman‐corrected atomic absorption spectrometry. Some samples were analysed by an ion chromatographic method permitting the simultaneous determination of Cr(VI) and Cr(III) as well. The amounts of chromium found in all skin layers were significantly higher when potassium dichromate was applied lo the skin compared with chromium chloride or chromium nitrate. Chromium could only detected in the recipient phase after application of the dichromate solution. Chromium skin levels increased with increasing concentrations of applied chromium salts up to 0.034 M Cr. The amount of chromium in recipient phase and skin layers increased with increasing pH when the applied solution contained potassium dichromate. This was ascribed to a decreased skin barrier function of the skin. The amount of chromium found in all skin layers after application of chromium chloride decreased with increasing pH due to lower solubility of the salt. The % of chromium found in the recipient phase us chromium VI)increased with increasing total chromium concentration indicating a limned reduction ability of the skin in vitro.

Decreasing trends in methyldibromo glutaronitrile contact allergy – following regulatory intervention

Background:  The preservative methyldibromo glutaronitrile (MDBGN) has been banned, first from stay‐on, and later from rinse‐off cosmetics, in the EU countries because of increasing rates of contact allergy.

Clinical severity and prognosis of hand eczema

Background  Hand eczema (HE) is a frequent, long‐lasting disease with both personal and societal repercussions. Consequently, more information is needed on factors that maintain symptoms.

Classification of hand eczema: clinical and aetiological types. Based on the guideline of the Danish Contact Dermatitis Group

Background. No generally accepted classification scheme for hand eczema exists. The Danish Contact Dermatitis Group recently developed a guideline defining common clinical types and providing criteria for aetiological types.

Occupational contact dermatitis in painters - an analysis of patch test data from the Danish Contact Dermatitis Group

Background. Painters are among the occupational groups that most commonly experience occupational contact dermatitis, but few investigations exist concerning this occupation.

Fragrance mix II in the baseline series contributes significantly to detection of fragrance allergy

Background: Fragrance mix II (FM II) is a relatively new screening marker for fragrance contact allergy. It was introduced in the patch test baseline series in Denmark in 2005 and contains six different fragrance chemicals commonly present in cosmetic products and which are known allergens.

Deodorants are the leading cause of allergic contact dermatitis to fragrance ingredients

Background. Fragrances frequently cause contact allergy, and cosmetic products are the main causes of fragrance contact allergy. As the various products have distinctive forms of application and composition of ingredients, some product groups are potentially more likely to play a part in allergic reactions than others.

Contact allergy to epoxy resin: risk occupations and consequences

Background. Epoxy resin monomers are strong skin sensitizers that are widely used in industrial sectors. In Denmark, the law stipulates that workers must undergo a course on safe handling of epoxy resins prior to occupational exposure, but the effectiveness of this initiative is largely unknown.

Characteristics of nickel-allergic dermatitis patients seen in private dermatology clinics in Denmark: a questionnaire study.

The use of nickel in certain consumer goods has been regulated in Denmark since 1990. The aim of this study was to reveal the clinical characteristics of nickel-allergic patients seen in seven private dermatology clinics and to identify current sources of nickel that may elicit nickel dermatitis. During 2006 to 2007, 634 patients with dermatitis aged 17-91 years were patch-tested and completed a questionnaire including a question about the occurrence of dermatitis following skin contact with ear-rings or ear-pins, watches, buttons or metal clasps (i.e. metal dermatitis). chi2 tests were applied to test for statistical significant differences. Analysis revealed a lower prevalence of nickel allergy among women in the youngest age group (17-22 years) in comparison with older age groups (23-34 years and 35-46 years) (p < 0.03). Most patients experienced metal dermatitis on the first occurrence be-tween 1975 and 1985. No new cases of metal dermatitis were identified after 1985. We conclude that nickel allergy has decreased among young females with dermatitis due to the nickel regulation.

Occupational contact dermatitis in hairdressers: an analysis of patch test data from the Danish Contact Dermatitis Group, 2002 - 2011

Occupational contact dermatitis among hairdressers is frequent, owing to daily exposure to irritants and allergens.