[Epoxy resin as a cause of contact allergic eczema].

Epoxy resin-containing products of the plastic industry are increasingly employed. We retrospectively studied the incidence and course of epoxy resin contact dermatitis in 2265 patients in whom contact dermatitis was confirmed by patch testing. A positive patch test for epoxy resin was present in 31 patients (1.4%). Exposure to epoxy resin as the cause of contact dermatitis was 'certain' in 10, 'very likely' in 9, 'possible' in 4 and 'unclear' in 8 patients. Exposure to epoxy resin was related to occupational (55%) and leisure time activities (13%). In 48% patch tests were positive for multiple test allergens. Hands (56%), arms (38%) and face (38%) were mainly affected. Re-examination of 26 of 31 patients showed that a favourable course depended on identification of the cause of the exposure to epoxy resin, avoidance of further contact and absence of sensitization to multiple allergens.