Triethylene glycol bis(2-ethylhexanoate) - a new contact allergen identified in a spectacle frame.

BACKGROUND: Allergic reactions to spectacle frames are not unusual. A patient had a reproducible strong allergic patch test reaction to scrapings from the plastic material, and negative patch test results with available spectacle frame chemicals.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the culprit allergen in this patient's spectacle frame.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: An extract from the temple arms was analysed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and a major low molecular weight compound was detected. This compound was isolated by semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography and identified by GC-MS and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The purified compound was diluted in ethanol, and a dilution series was prepared for patch testing.

RESULTS: Triethylene glycol bis(2-ethylhexanoate) was identified as the major compound in the extract. Patch testing of the patient proved that triethylene glycol bis(2-ethylhexanoate) was the causative allergen in the spectacle frame. Ten consecutive eczema patients tested as controls were negative.

CONCLUSION: Triethylene glycol bis(2-ethylhexanoate) is a new, hitherto unreported contact allergen.