Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology (Jun 2023)
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds and Contact Dermatitis: A Review and Considerations During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Abstract
Chidubem AV Okeke,1 Ramona Khanna,2 Alison Ehrlich3 1Department of Dermatology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA; 2Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA; 3Foxhall Dermatology, Washington, DC, USACorrespondence: Chidubem AV Okeke, Department of Dermatology, Howard University College of Medicine, 520 W Street NW, Room 3035/3036, Washington, DC, USA, Email [email protected]: The recent global pandemic has resulted in increased use of quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs). Currently, QACs are active ingredients in 292 disinfectants recommended by the US EPA for use against SARS-CoV-2. Among QACs, benzalkonium chloride (BAK), cetrimonium bromide (CTAB), cetrimonium chloride (CTAC), didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC), cetrimide, quaternium-15, cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), and benzethonium chloride (BEC) were all identified as potential culprits of skin sensitivity. Given their widespread utilization, additional research is needed to better classify their dermal effects and identify other cross-reactors. In this review, we aimed to expand our knowledge about these QACs to further dissect its potential allergic and irritant dermal effects on healthcare workers during COVID-19.Keywords: patch test, systemic contact dermatitis, hypersensitivity, allergic contact dermatitis, COVID-19, healthcare
