Active sensitization caused by 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate, 2‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate, ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate and N,N‐dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate

Abstract A 45‐year‐old orthodontist became sensitized during patch tests with (meth)acrylates. Retesting showed that the sensitizing acrylics were methacrylates, namely 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate, 2‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate and N,N ‐dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate. Acrylates are stronger sensitizers than methacrylates, but the present report indicates that also methacrylates may sensitize at the patch test concentrations used. Accordingly, it may be necessary to use lower (meth)acrylate concentrations for patch testing.