Introduction Potential occupational exposures Reactions Diagnosis Treatment Alternative names
Coconut diethanolamide is a widely used surface active agent which helps to stabilise the foam in hand gels, hand-washing liquids, shampoos and dish-washing liquids. It is manufactured from coconut oil and is a non-ionic surfactant.
Products which may contain coconut diethanolamide |
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Coconut diethanolamide can rarely cause allergic contact dermatitis, particularly on the hands. Leave-on products (hand-protection foams) cause sensitisation much more rapidly (2-3 months) than rinse-off products (hand-washing liquids; 5-7 years).
Coconut diethanolamide contact allergy is diagnosed by a positive patch test to coconut diethanolamide.
If you are diagnosed with coconut diethanolamide allergy, then avoid products which contain this. Read product labels. It may take 2-3 weeks of avoiding exposure before improvement in dermatitis occurs.
Standard treatment is used for dermatitis, usually topical corticosteroids and emollients.
