Methyl Paraben May Increase Risk of Pruritus in African Americans Whereas Triclosan Is Inversely Associated With Pruritus and Eczema.

BACKGROUND

Phenols and parabens (P&Ps) are commonly found in skin care products. However, P&Ps' role in pruritus and eczema has not been studied.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to investigate the association between P&Ps, and pruritus and eczema.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional population-based study of 2202 participants. We examined the association between urinary phenols (triclosan, bisphenol A, benzophenone-3) and parabens (methyl and propyl parabens) and itchy rash/eczema using the 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database. Phenols and parabens were divided into quartiles (Qs) with the first Q as the reference. We calculated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals, adjusting for multiple variables.

RESULTS

Urinary triclosan was inversely associated with itchy rash (P trend = 0.048). In a subpopulation analysis by race/ethnicity, urinary methyl paraben was positively associated with itchy rash in African Americans (fourth Q vs first Q: odds ratio, 12.60; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-154.06; P trend = 0.02). Triclosan was inversely associated with eczema in whites (P trend = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Methyl paraben exposure may increase the risk of itchy rash in African Americans, whereas triclosan may decrease the risk of itchy rash and eczema. The potential effect of triclosan and methyl paraben in pruritus and eczema warrants further study.