Allergic Contact Dermatitis: Topical Preservatives, Part I

Dmdm Hydantoin

Synonyms for DMDM Hydantoin

• 1,3-dimethylol-5,5-dimethyl hydantoin

• 1,3-Bis (hydroxymethyl)-5,5-dimethyl-2,4-imidazolidinedione butyl carbamate

• Dimethylol dimethyl hydantoin

• Dantoin DMDMH

• DMDMH

• Glydant

• Mackstat DM

• Nipaguard DMDMH

• Paragon (mixture)

DMDM hydantoin affected 2.6% of patch test patients in 2005–2006 (Zug et al., 2009). This is a broad-spectrum preservative. Over half of all patients with formaldehyde sensitivity are also sensitive to DMDM hydantoin (Sasseville, 2004). ACD caused by DMDM hydantoin is slightly more common in health care workers then in non-health care workers (Maier et al., 2009).

Sources of DMDM hydantoin (Maier et al., 2009; Marks et al., 2002).

• Shampoos, hair conditioners, liquid soaps, and body washes.

• Cosmetics, moisturizers, and sunscreens.

• Topical medications and anti-arrhythmic and anticonvulsive agents.

• Adhesives, copying paper, latex paints, and inks.

• Cutting oils, herbicides, plastics, color photography, floor waxes, and textiles.

Dermatology Nursing © 2010 Jannetti Publications, Inc.

Cite this: Allergic Contact Dermatitis: Topical Preservatives, Part I - Medscape - Mar 01, 2010.