Downward trend of sensitization to glyceryl monothioglycolate in german hairdressers

Abstract

Background: Due to a high incidence of cases of (occupational) sensitization to glyceryl monothioglycolate (GMT), products containing this compound were withdrawn from the German market some 8 years ago. Methods: We analyzed the data of the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology in Germany which included 1,336 hairdressers who had been tested with GMT (1% in petrolatum) between 1992 and 1998. Results: The proportion of hairdressers reacting positively to GMT fell from initially 45% in 1992 to less than 20% in 1997 and 1998. Conclusion: This most likely reflects the above-mentioned preventive action. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.