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This patient information on 4-Tert-Butylphenol Formaldehyde Resin is provided by John L. Meisenheimer, M.D. a board certified Dermatologist and skin care specialist based in Orlando, Florida.  This information is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice or treatment of a dermatologist or other physician.

The results from your patch testing showed a positive reaction (contact allergy) to 4-tert-butylphenol formaldehyde resin. Your immune system reacts with its defense mechanisms with each exposure of 4-tert-butylphenol formaldehyde resin to your skin. It is unknown why certain individuals develop allergic sensitivities. In some it may take repeat exposures over long periods of time before an allergy develops. Once you have become sensitized (allergic) your immune system always "remembers" and you will be 4-tert-butylphenol formaldehyde resin sensitive. If you currently have eczema this chemical may be the cause but other factors may play a role as well. The information below will help you avoid this allergen.

This is an adhesive commonly used to bond leather, rubber to rubber, or rubber to metal surfaces. It is a common cause of shoe allergic contact dermatitis.

Where is chemical found?

►Automobiles
►Athletic tape
►Boxes
►Brace (knee)
►Dental bonding
►Deodorants
►Disinfectants
►Duplicating paper
►Fiberglass
►Film developers
►Furniture
►Glues
►Handbags
►Ink
►Insecticides
►Insulation
►Leather shoes
►Motor oils
►Nail adhesives
►Prosthesis
►Plywood
►Raincoat Shoe adhesive and other glued leather goods
►Watch straps

Hints on avoiding chemical:

►Choose products listed only on your personalized Contact Allergen Database, which has been provided to you. Products listed on your Contact Allergen Resource Database will be free of 4-tert- butylyphenol formaldehyde resin and safe to use.
►Wear protective coverings when working with glues.
►Protect yourself from sawdust from fiberglass or hardboard.
►Let your dentist know of your sensitivity.
►It may take 2 to 3 weeks of avoiding exposure before improvement of your eruption begins.
►Please be aware that if your spouse or significant other uses topical skin care products that contain this chemical skin-to-skin transfer may occur to you.
►Wet leather or rubber products, which have been glued with this resin, may leach this out on the skin.

Other names you may see this chemical listed as:

4 (1,1-dimethylethyl) phenol
4-tert-Butylphenol formaldehyde resin
Butylphen
Paratertiary butylphenol formaldehyde resin
PTBP formaldehyde
p-t-Butylphenol formaldehyde resin
p-tert-Butylphenol formaldehyde resin

Potential Occupational Exposures:
    Shoemakers
    Adhesive workers
    Box makers
    Leather Finishes
    Dentists

© John L. Meisenheimer, M.D.  2004                                   WWW.OrlandoSkinDoc.com

Last modified: 08/27/06