Isobornyl acrylate and diabetic devices steal the Show for the 2020 American Contact Dermatitis Society Allergen of the Year.

Diabetic devices including glucose monitoring systems and insulin pumps are used worldwide and are increasingly recognized as a source of irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). Isobornyl acrylate is a chemical used in the glue of some of these devices and has been implicated as a frequent culprit allergen in patients who become sensitized to their device. Patch testing with isobornyl acrylate 0.1% in petrolatum is not necessary in standard screening panels but should be considered in patients with suspected ACD to glucose sensors or insulin pumps.

Duke Scholars

Author Amber Reck Atwater Dermatology