Persistent photosensitivity after allergic contact dermatitis to epoxy resin.

BACKGROUND: Persistent photosensitivity after allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to epoxy resin has rarely been described. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to create awareness that ACD to epoxy may be a trigger for persistent photosensitivity. METHODS: We present a series of 5 patients who developed ACD to epoxy resin and later a photodistributed eczematous eruption when exposed to sunlight, with a documented decrease in minimal erythema dose to UVA and UVB. RESULTS: The age of patients ranged from 34 to 71 years, and there were 3 men and 2 women. Each patient had occupational exposure to epoxy. Symptoms of epoxy ACD preceded photosensitivity by 5 months to 12 years in 3 cases and occurred simultaneously in 2 cases. Patch testing to epoxy resin was positive in all patients. Phototesting revealed a decreased minimal erythema dose to UVA and UVB in each of the 3 patients who were phototested. Photopatch testing was positive for epoxy resin in 1 of the 2 patients tested. All patients remained photosensitive for at least 2 years after diagnosis, with only 1 case of photosensitivity resolving with extended avoidance of epoxy. CONCLUSIONS: There is an association between ACD to epoxy resin and development of persistent photosensitivity. Possible mechanisms to explain the relationship between the 2 phenomena are discussed.