Allergic contact dermatitis to synthetic rubber following breast augmentation

Allergic reactions associated with silicone injection and implant were examined in a 50-year-old woman with a granulomatous reaction following breast silicone-gel prosthesis rupture who developed a delayed hypersensitivity to rubber compounds. Patch tests with SIDAPA, dental, and rubber series as well as open tests with latex, silicone and non silicone tubes, open application test with silicone gel, and skin prick test for aero and food-allergens were performed. Total and specific serum IgE measured by CAP-FEIA. Skin tests revealed a delayed-type hypersensitivity to thioureas, thiuram mixture and platinum. Specific IgE to natural rubber latex were found. Allergic contact dermatitis from thioureas, thiurams and platinum might be under-diagnosed, as they are not tested as part of the standard patch test series. Clinicians should consider this diagnosis in patients submitted to several cosmetic treatments.