Para-tert-butylphenol formaldehyde resin allergy

What is para-tert-butylphenol (PTBP) formaldehyde resin and where can it be found?

PTBP formaldehyde resin is a phenol-formaldehyde resin mainly used in adhesives. It is ideal for this because it has very good bonding qualities and has a particular tack to leather and rubber surfaces. For these reasons, PTBP formaldehyde is mainly found in glued leather items, such as shoes, bags, belts, and watch straps.

Other sources of PTBP formaldehyde resin include DIY glues, varnish and lacquer resins, motor oil additives, rubber antioxidants, printing inks, fiberglass products, plywood, masonry sealants, insecticides and deodorants and disinfectants. commercial.

What are the reactions to PTBP formaldehyde resin? allergy?

Typical allergic contact dermatitis Reactions may occur in individuals allergic to PTBP formaldehyde resin. Eruption It is commonly found on the feet (shoe dermatitis) as the soles of shoes, particularly the spongy rubber insoles in sports shoes, are one of the most common sources of PTBP formaldehyde resin.

In people exposed to formaldehyde resin PTBP in the air in a work environment, the reaction can occur at exposed sites such as the face and neck, and can cause significant swelling and blistering.

PTBP formaldehyde resin can also cause depigmentation.

Am I allergic to PTBP formaldehyde resin?

Allergy to PTBP formaldehyde resin is diagnosed from medical history and by performing special allergy tests, i.e. patch tests with PTBP 1% in Vaseline.

Para-tertiary butylphenol is the sensitizing agent in phenol-formaldehyde resins, not phenol or formaldehyde. Formaldehyde sensitivity does not imply an allergy to formaldehyde resins.

Treatment of contact dermatitis due to exposure to formaldehyde resin PTBP

If you are diagnosed with an allergy to PTBP formaldehyde resin, if possible, avoid exposure to products containing PTBP formaldehyde resin, otherwise take steps to reduce potential exposure. Dermatitis that appears on the skin can be treated like any other acute dermatitis/eczemathat is to say current corticosteroids emollients, treatment of any secondary bacterial infection (Staphylococcus aureus), etc.

What should I do to avoid allergy to formaldehyde resin PTBP?

Try to avoid getting products containing PTBP formaldehyde resin wet as moisture causes the breakdown of chemicals and the release of PTBP. allergen, thus allowing it to come into contact with the skin. Always wear socks in your shoes. Try to avoid getting your shoes wet or soaked with water. Also change your socks regularly to prevent sweat from building up and making your shoes wet.

Wear gloves when working with glues or adhesives containing PTBP formaldehyde resin or find a suitable allergen-free alternative.

In the workplace, try to avoid exposure to PTBP formaldehyde resin, however, this may not be feasible. Identify potential sources of exposure using Material Safety Data Sheets; These are required for all chemicals and substances you may come into contact with in the workplace. To reduce exposure, wear gloves to protect your hands.

Alert your doctor or dentist to the fact that you are allergic to PTBP formaldehyde resin. You dermatologist may have more specific advice, especially if you are very sensitive to PTBP formaldehyde resin.

Alternative Names for PTBP Formaldehyde Resin

PTBP formaldehyde resin is also known by several other names. These include:

• p-tert-butylphenol formaldehyde resin
• PTBP formaldehyde
• Butylphen
• 4(1,1-dimethylethyl)phenol
• 4-tert-butylphenolformaldehyde resin

Avoid all this. At work, request a material safety data sheet to help identify potential sources of exposure.

More information

Sensitizer para-tertiary butylphenol

Patch test: 1% of PTBP in Vaseline

Reference

Book: Fisher's Contact Dermatitis. Ed Rietschel RL, Fowler JF. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins 2001