PABA allergy

What is PABA and where is it found?

Para-aminobenzoic acid or PABA, as it is more commonly known, is a chemical found in the vitamin folic acid and also in various foods, such as grains, eggs, milk, molasses, liver, and kidney.

PABA is also industrially prepared for use in sunscreens and premises anesthetic Agents PABA was discovered to have UVB absorbing properties and in 1943 it was patented and became one of the first active ingredients to be used in sunscreen products. Although PABA and its aminobenzoic acid esters (glyceryl PABA, padimate O, and roxadimate) are all effective sunscreen agents, they are also strong sensitizing agents and can cause allergic contact. dermatitis. Also, in the early 1980s, animal studies with PABA suggested that there may be an increased risk of cellular UV to damage. For these reasons, PABA is now rarely used in sunscreen products.

PABA is the chemical base of a group of Local anesthesia agents These include butetamide, benzocaine, procaine, tetracaine, propoxicaine, and butacaine. Contact dermatitis allergic reactions can occur when these agents are used in individuals sensitive to PABA. Benzocaine is the most prominent sensitizer.

What are the reactions to PABA? allergy?

Sensitivity to PABA causes classic allergic contact dermatitis as well as photocontact dermatitis. In people allergic to PABA, sunscreens containing PABA or its esters can cause a burning or stinging sensation, especially if the product is alcohol-based. However, burning and stinging can also sometimes occur as a irritating reaction in people with sensitive skin, even when you are not actually allergic to PABA.

Occasionally, the injection of local anesthetics derived from PABA to allergy sufferers can cause inflammation of the oral route. mucous membrane (stomatitis) at the injection site. Rarely, more severe reactions such as generalized urticaria or anaphylaxis can result.

Am I allergic to PABA?

Allergy to PABA is diagnosed by performing special allergy tests, i.e. patch tests with 10% of PABA in petroleum jelly.

PABA allergy treatment

If you are diagnosed with a PABA allergy, avoid exposure to products that contain PABA. Treatment of PABA dermatitis can be treated like any other acute dermatitis/eczema; this may include treatment with current corticosteroids and emollients.

What should I do to avoid allergy to PABA?

Read product labels and avoid products that contain PABA or any of its alternative names. Avoid related substances that you may also be allergic to. This includes sunscreen products that contain PABA esters, paraphenylenediamine (PPD) commonly found permanently hair dyes, sulfonamides and azo dyes. Ask your pharmacist for advice and a suitable alternative. Alert your doctor and dentist to the fact that you are allergic to PABA. your dermatologist You may have more specific advice, especially if you are very sensitive.

Alternative names for PABA

• Para-aminobenzoic acid
• P-aminobenzoic acid
• Aminobenzoic acid
• 4-aminobenzoic acid
• Para-aminobenzoate
• Potassium Aminobenzoate
• ABA
• Ethyl dihydroxypropyl aminobenzoate
• Glyceryl paraaminobenzoate
• Octyl Diemthyl PABA
• Padimate O
• Bacterial Vitamin H1
• Vitamin B10
• Vitamin Bx
• Vitamin H1
• Vitamin B10

More information

Formula: 4-Aminobenzoic Acid - C_{7 7}H_{7 7}NO₂

CAS number: 150-13-0

Cross reactions:

• PABA esters, e.g. glyceryl PABA, padimate O, benzocaine, procaine
• Para-phenylenediamine (PPD)
• Sulfonamides
• Azo dyes

Appearance: white-gray crystals

Sensitizer: PABA and its esters.

Patch test: PABA 10% in Vaseline