| Formula |
CAS |
| C7H6O2 |
65-85-0 |
BackgroundBenzoic acid is a preservative and anti-fungal
agent. It occcurs in nature in free and combined forms. Gum benzoin may contain
as much as 20% benzoic acid. It is used with salicylic acid as a topical antifungal.
Benzoic acid is involved in non-immunologic contact urticaria and type IV contact
allergic reactions.
SynonymsBenzenecarboxylic acid
Benzoëzuur
E210
Diacylic acid
Phenylfromic acid
Uses
Foods and fruit juices
Topical and systemic medications
Cosmetics
Curing
tobacco
Fats
Mordant in calico printing
Cross-Reactions
Benzoic acid along with compounds of the fragrance mix can be found in Balsam
of Peru explaining cross-reactions between the two.
Unusual Reactions
Immunologic contact urticaria.
Benzoyl peroxide, used for acne vulgaris,
is metabolized in the skin to benzoic acid. Positive patch tests to benzoyl
peroxide may be explained by a contact allergy to benzoic acid.
Back to list of contact allergens
Referenties
| 1. |
Clemmensen O, Hjorth N. Perioral
contact urticaria from sorbic acid and benzoic acid in a salad dressing.
Contact Dermatitis 1982;8(1):1-6. |
| 2. |
Larmi E, Lahti A, Hannuksela
M. Immediate contact reactions to benzoic acid and the sodium salt
of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid. Comparison of various skin sites.
Contact Dermatitis 1989;20(1):38-40. |
| 3. |
Rademaker M, Forsyth A. Contact
dermatitis in children. Contact Dermatitis 1989;20(2):104-107. |
| 4. |
Koopmans AK, Bruynzeel DP.
Benzoëzuur: plakproef-reacties. Ned Tijdschr Dermatol Venereol 1999;9:286-288.
|
Author(s):Allergology: background information on allergens.
ICD10: L23.9