Dermatitis (formerly American Journal of Contact Dermatitis) 2006-09-01

Allergic contact dermatitis to chloroxylenol.

Cindy Berthelot, Matthew J Zirwas

Index: Dermatitis 17(3) , 156-9, (2006)

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Abstract

Chloroxylenol, also known as p-chloro-m-xylenol (PCMX), is a compound that has been used as a preservative in cosmetics and as an active agent in antimicrobial soaps. We present two patients with allergic contact dermatitis from PCMX, confirmed by positive (+++) patch-test reactions at 48 and 72 hours, identification of PCMX in a soap and in a hand cream used by the patients, and improvement following withdrawal of the incriminating products. The mechanism of action, structure, antimicrobial activity, and dangers of PCMX are reviewed.