Isobornyl Acrylate

TYPE OF INGREDIENT

Adhesive monomer

COMMONLY FOUND IN

Insulin pumps, glucose monitors, UV-curable coatings, adhesives

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ISOBORNYL ACRYLATE?

Isobornyl acrylate is a monomer valued for its excellent adhesion properties. It is used for its ability to polymerize when exposed to sources of free radicals, such as UV light, and is similar to other acrylate molecules used in nail treatments.¹ Isobornyl acrylate is frequently used in diabetic devices, such as insulin pumps and glucose monitors, in order to facilitate adhesion to the skin.¹

WHAT IS ISOBORNYL ACRYLATE?

Isobornyl acrylate is a synthetic monofunctional reactive diluent and monomer derived from acrylic acid and isoborneol. Historically, it has not been a common cause of contact sensitization.² However, due to more frequent use of insulin pumps and glucose monitors in the diabetic population, contact dermatitis secondary to IBOA has become more recognized in recent years. Discussion with device manufacturers is often needed to identify the presence of IBOA.³ IBOA was named the 2020 Allergen of the Year by the American Contact Dermatitis Society.⁴

IS ISOBORNYL ACRYLATE SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES AND TONES?

Isobornyl acrylate is generally safe for most skin types and tones, even among patients with diabetes. IBOA is one of the least-allergenic adhesives, even compared to others in its chemical family, such as ethyl and methyl acrylate.² Due to its rarity, IBOA is not included in most standard or expanded-series patch tests.¹

However, patients experiencing contact dermatitis localized to areas of their insulin pump or glucose monitor should be evaluated for IBOA allergy with a specialized patch test composed of IBOA in 0.1% petrolatum.^1,4

CONTRAINDICATIONS

There are no specific contraindications associated with IBOA. Patients experiencing contact allergy to IBOA from diabetic devices should consult with appropriate physicians, such as dermatologists and endocrinologists. Options for treatment may include symptomatic topical treatment, application of barriers to reduce contact sensitization, discussion with the device manufacturer about the possibility of alternative adhesives, or switching to an alternative device.^4,5

Sources:

Nath N, et al. Cutis. 2020 June;105(06):283-285.
Christoffers WA, Coenraads PJ, Schuttelaar ML. Two decades of occupational (meth)acrylate patch test results and focus on isobornyl acrylate. Contact Dermatitis. 2013;69:86-92.
Herman A, Goossens A. The need to disclose the composition of medical devices at the European level. Contact Dermatitis. 2019;81:159-160.
Aerts O, Herman A, Mowitz M, et al. Isobornyl acrylate. Dermatitis. 2020;31:4-12.
Hyry HSI, Liippo JP, Virtanen HM. Allergic contact dermatitis caused by glucose sensors in type 1 diabetes patients. Contact Dermatitis. 2019;81:161-166.

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.