Characteristics and Clinical Relevance of Sulfites: The Allergen of the Year 2024 | PracticeUpdate



https://www.practiceupdate.com/content/characteristics-and-clinical-relevance-of-sulfites-the-allergen-of-the-year-2024/156954

Characteristics and Clinical Relevance of Sulfites: The Allergen of the Year 2024

TAKE-HOME MESSAGE

• Sulfites are used in industrial processes, are found in mineral formations, and are in food/beverages and personal care products. These are commonly added as preservatives and/or antioxidants and are found in topical antifungals, topical steroids, local anesthetics, and prescription eye drops. Sulfite allergy most often presents as a facial or hand dermatitis. Sulfites are not included in many patch test series, despite their allergen prevalence ranging from 1.4% to 7.0% in recent reports.
• Sulfites are the American Contact Dermatitis Society Allergen of the Year for 2024. They are under-recognized. The authors recommend the inclusion of sulfites in the next American Contact Dermatitis Society Core Allergen Series.

–  Katherine M. Stiff, MD

Abstract 

Sodium disulfite, also known as sodium metabisulfite or sodium pyrosulfite, is an inorganic compound, which may cause allergic contact dermatitis. Sulfites act as antioxidants and preservatives; common sources include food/beverages, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. Importantly, sulfites are not included in most screening patch test series and thus may be missed as a relevant contact allergen. The American Contact Dermatitis Society chose sulfites as the Allergen of the Year for 2024 to raise awareness about this significant allergen.

Dermatitis

Sulfites: Allergen of the Year 2024

Dermatitis 2023 Aug 17;[EPub Ahead of Print], SF Ekstein, EM Warshaw 

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Benjamin Hidalgo-Matlock
Skin Care Physicians of Costa Rica

Clinica Victoria en San Pedro: 4000-1054
Momentum Escazu: 2101-9574

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