Contact dermatitis to ethyl-cyanoacrylate-containing glue.

Abstract

3 patients with contact dermatitis to an ethyl cyanoacrylate glue are presented. Although reactions to cyanoacrylate glues are considered rare, more widespread use of these products by nail salons is likely to be associated with an increased incidence of positive reactions. All 3 of our patients came into contact with the glue during "nail wrapping". In this process, ethyl cyanoacrylate or another "instant glue" is used to adhere glue-impregnated silk or linen to the nail plate which is then filed to shape the nail. This procedure creates fine acrylic-containing dust which may facilitate an allergic response. Fine particulate matter may be transferred to other distant cutaneous sites, such as the eyelids, resulting in more widespread cutaneous eruptions. Dermatologists in areas where nail wrapping is becoming more fashionable are advised to be alert to potential cyanoacrylate glue allergies which present as periungual eczema which may be associated with eyelid dermatitis and features of nummular dermatitis particularly over the dorsal hand.