Allergic reaction to duct tape
Question:
2/15/2017
I have a patient who had a systemic reaction to wet duct tape. She is a teacher's aide who was doing a project with her students. It involved removing duct tape wrapped around soda cans after soaking them in water. Her hands became red, itchy and swollen within 10 minutes. She then developed hives on her face, facial swelling and lip, tongue and throat swelling. She was taken by ambulance to the ER, where she was administered IV Benadryl and steroids. Have there been reports of systemic reaction to tape adhesives?
Answer:
From the description provided this sounds like an IgE mediated reaction vs a contact dermatitis type reaction. I assume you have reviewed the ED records and the objective findings are convincing for an IgE mediated reaction. I am assuming that other “typical” causes of urticaria / angioedema (e.g. ASA, NSAID’s, antibiotics, new meds, food, stings etc.) were considered and ruled out. I have searched Pubmed for reports of anaphylaxis, allergy, urtcaria, angioedema and duct tape and was unable to find any reports.
Because of the potential unusual source of her symptoms I asked Dr Luz Fonacier for her opinion:
“The reaction sounds like an IgE mediated anaphylaxis. Review of duct tape components revealed the following:
Raw Materials
Cotton mesh: Cotton mesh forms the backbone of duct tape.
Polyethylene coating: The cotton fabric is coated with polyethylene, a plastic material that protects it from moisture and abrasion is then stored on rolls until the manufacturer is ready to apply the adhesive.
Adhesive compound: The adhesive used in duct tape is unique for two reasons. First, the adhesive itself is formulated with rubber compounds that ensure long-term bonding. Other tapes typically use adhesive polymers that are not as binding. Second, the adhesive is applied to the substrate in a much thicker coating than those used on cellophane or masking tapes. This too serves to increase the adhesive properties of the tape.
I would rule out Latex allergy in the patient. A Tryptase level may be helpful as well.”
Interestingly, various latex allergy organizations also make note that “regular duct tape” (i.e. the silver colored type) is NOT latex free but clear duct tape is safe to use.
http://latexallergyresources.org/consumer-products
http://sbhac.ca/latex-allergies/
I hope this has been helpful.
Andrew Murphy MD, FAAAA