ABSTRACT
Retinyl palmitate is a naturally occurring phenyl analog of retinol (vitamin A) with potential antineoplastic and chemopreventive activities. As the most common form of vitamin A taken for dietary supplementation, retinyl palmitate binds to and activates retinoid receptors, thereby inducing cell differentiation and decreasing cell proliferation. This chapter provides monographs of retinyl palmitate which have caused contact allergy/allergic contact dermatitis. The monographs present: identification section; and contact allergy (general population, patients with dermatitis, case reports and case series). The identification section presents IUPAC names, synonyms, CAS and EC numbers, structural and chemical formulas, Merck Index monographs, and advises on patch testing. The chapter also covers an extensive amount of information to benefit dermatologists, allergists, and all others interested in drug allergy.
