Dictionary of Allergies .. Adhesive plaster

Adhesive plaster is a tape used in dressing wounds.  In the past, allergic contact dermatitis due to adhesive plaster was usually attributed to the presence of colophony or rubber components by acrylic polymers (e.g. chelating agents) has reduced the frequency of allergic reactions to some newer types of adhesive plaster. Patients still often report allergic reactions to modern types of adhesive plaster. There are until now unidentified allergens present in adhesive plasters. In case that the adhesive plaster contains a chelating agent (e.g. N, N΄-disalicylidene-1, 2-diaminopropane and an individual demonstrates sensitivity to this, there is possibility the patient to show strong reaction to chemically related ethylendiamine, which could be of importance for patients with asthma treated with aminophylline. N,N'-disalicylidene-1,2-diaminopropane is a copper inhibitor present in some adhesive plasters, rubber products and gasoline. Upon contact with water it is hydrolyzed to salicylaldehyde and 1,2-diaminopropane[2].

References

1. Hansou, C., Bergendorf O.; Allergy to adhesive plaster. Allergy 1998: 53:324-334.

2. Bergendorff O, Hansson C. Activation and cross-reactivity pattern of a new allergen in adhesive plaster. Contact Dermatitis. 2000 Jan;42(1):11-7.