Acetophenone Azine

TYPE OF INGREDIENT​
By-product in manufacturing
COMMONLY FOUND IN
Shin guards, footwear, protective sports equipment

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ACETOPHENONE AZINE?

The exact function of AA is not well-established. However, it has been theorized that AA is a catalyst in the polymerization of ethyl vinyl acetate, a foam which is used in the production of sports equipment.1 AA also has anti-helminthic and antimicrobial activity.1

WHAT IS ACETOPHENONE AZINE?

Acetophenone Azine is a by-product of the synthesis of ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), a foam which is used in manufacturing of shin guards, flip-flops and other types of footwear and sports equipment.1 It was first recognized as a contact allergen in the mid-2010s, when there were several case series of patients experiencing lower extremity contact dermatitis with negative patch tests.2,3 AA was named the 2021 Allergen of the Year by the American Contact Dermatitis Society.4

IS ACETOPHENONE AZINE SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES AND TONES?

AA is generally safe for most skin types and tones, even among patients who frequently wear protective sports equipment. However, patients experiencing dermatitis localized to their lower extremities and/or body areas in close contact with sports equipment should be evaluated for AA allergy with a specialized patch test composed of AA in 0.1% petrolatum.2,4

CONTRAINDICATIONS

There are no specific contraindications associated with AA. Patients experiencing contact allergy to AA should consult with a dermatologist. Options for treatment may include symptomatic topical treatment, application of barriers to reduce contact sensitization, discussion with the manufacturer about using products free of AA, or switching to alternative gear.2,4

Sources:
  1. Raison-Peyron N, Bergendorff O, Bourrain JL, et al. Acetophenone azine: a new allergen responsible for severe contact dermatitis from shin pads. Contact Dermatitis. 2016;75:106-110.
  2. Reeder M and Atwater, A. Cutis. 2021 May;107(05):238-240.
  3. Besner Morin C, Stanciu M, Miedzybrodzki B, et al. Allergic contact dermatitis from acetophenone azine in a Canadian child. Contact Dermatitis. 2020;83:41-42.
  4. Raison-Peyron N, Sasseville D. Acetophenone Azine. Dermatitis. 2021 Jan-Feb 01;32(1):5-9.

Aamir Hussain, MD, MAPP

Author

Dr. Aamir Hussain is a dermatologist currently practicing adult and pediatric dermatology in Northern Virginia. He serves on the health policy committee of the American Contact Dermatitis Society and has a clinical interest in patch testing. Dr. Hussain is an internationally-recognized speaker, writer and educator. His writings on health policy, medical education and the connections between healthcare and faith have been featured in prestigious media outlets, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Hill, and The Baltimore Sun. He has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and is the author of several book chapters. He has presented research at major conferences, including the American Academy of Dermatology, World Congress of Dermatology, Society of Pediatric Dermatology, American Contact Dermatitis Society, American Society of Dermatopathology, Society of Investigative Dermatology and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.