The History of Surfactants and Review of Their Allergic and Irritant Properties.

Publication/Presentation Date

9-1-2021

Abstract

Surfactants, many of which are used as detergents, can be found in many common household items, such as shampoos, conditioners, soaps, and cosmetics. One should recognize the multitude of surfactants that are used in today's products to identify any potential allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) or irritant contact dermatitis (ICD). Given their abundance in everyday products, it is understandable that many cases of occupational contact dermatitis that arise can be attributed to surfactants. The products most connected with ACD are cocamidopropyl betaine, oleamidopropyl dimethylamine, decyl glucoside, 3-dimethylaminopropylamine, amidoamine, and cocamide diethanolamine. Similarly, the most common surfactant-related causes of ICD are sodium lauryl sulfate and benzalkonium chloride. It is important for dermatologists to identify the causes and differentiate between the two, to adjust treatments and products accordingly. Here, the most frequently used surfactants, as well as their correlation between ACD and ICD, will be reviewed.

Volume

32

Issue

5

First Page

289

Last Page

297

ISSN

2162-5220

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

34524773

Department(s)

Department of Medicine, Department of Medicine Fellows and Residents, Fellows and Residents

Document Type

Article

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