British Society of Cutaneous Allergy (BCSA)

N-isopropyl-N-phenyl-paraphenylenediamine (IPPD)

What are the aims of this patient information leaflet?

This leaflet has been written to help you understand more about your contact allergy. It tells you what a contact allergy is, what causes this allergy and what you can do about it.

What is contact allergy?

Dermatitis, also known as eczema, describes a type of inflammation of the skin. Contact dermatitis or contact eczema is a term used when this inflammation is caused by direct or indirect skin contact with something in your environment. Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when your immune system causes allergy to a very specific chemical or substance that has been in contact with the skin.

What causes your specific allergy?

Your patch tests indicate that you have a contact allergy to n-isopropyl-N-phenyl-paraphenylenediamine.

What is n-isopropyl-N-phenyl-paraphenylenediamine?

IPPD is used in the processing of rubbers to prevent perishing. It is typically found in black or dark grey rubbers. Some people with contact allergy to IPPD may also react to a permanent hair dye, paraphenylenediamine (PPD).

What are some products that contain n-isopropyl-N-phenyl-paraphenylenediamine?

  • Tyres
  • Brake linings
  • Rubber hosing and piping
  • Masks including scuba and diving masks
  • Diving suits
  • Gloves usually heavy duty black or dark grey in colour.
  • Most household gloves including latex, nitrile and vinyl gloves will be fine to use
  • Black rubber boots and black rubber soles of shoes
  • Eyelash curlers
  • Spectacle chains
  • Earphones and TV remotes
  • Walking stick handles
  • Grips on lawnmowers, motorcycles, bikes, vacuum cleaners and polishers
  • Watch straps
  • Squash balls
  • Escalator hand rails
  • Elasticated clothing. Rubber elastic in clothing may be deceptive as it may not be black or grey in colour if woven into cloth. If dermatitis occurs at sites where elastic has touched the skin, loose non- elasticated clothing or Lycra can be worn instead.

Some occupations may expose individuals to IPPD. These include car factory workers, automobile mechanics and divers

Remember, always check the label, these lists can never be complete and ingredients change.

How can I manage my allergy?

This means that you should avoid putting products containing n-isopropyl-N-phenyl-paraphenylenediamine onto your skin in the future.

Self-care (what can I do?)

Always check the ingredient listing on the product, package or package insert as these lists can never be complete and ingredients change. This is particularly important for any products purchased outside the EU where some allergens may not be banned.

Created: 2016