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A further series of 42 cases of contact dermatitis from an antimycotic agent, pyrrolnitrin, are reported. Patch testing produced positive allergic reactions in 41 cases and an irritant reaction in 1 case. The allergic contact dermatitis was generally associated with a characteristic widespread secondary eruption resembling erythema multiforme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A group of 34 inpatients with contact allergy to para-amino compounds (sulfanilamide, paraphenylenediamine, benzocaine) underwent a series of peroral tests using structurally related substances, sulphonyl ureas (carbutamide, tolbutamide and chlorpropamide), diaminodiphenyl-sulfone, saccharin and salicyl azosulfapyridine. Sulphonyl ureas given orally can produce a widespread dermatitis in subjects with contact sensitivity to sulfanilamide, but not in those sensitized to paraphenylenediamine and benzocaine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patch tests repeated one or more times over periods of up to 3 years in 208 subjects with allergic contact dermatitis produced evidence of persistent specific sensitivities in almost 50% of cases. In about 25% the reactivity disappeared and over 25% developed new sensitivities. No new sensitivities appeared in 253 patients with non-allergic contact dermatitis or with other types of dermatitis in whom the same patch tests were carried out. The history and follow-up of patients with new sensitivities brought into focus the presumed actionpathogenetic role of further contacts, especially occupational or after topical applications. Patch tests themselves, provided the correct technique is employed especially as regards the concentration of allergens, do not seem to be responsible for new sensitizations to any significant extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell-mediated immunity to bacterial antigens was studied by intradermal testing, and to contact antigens (cosmetics, environmental chemicals and topical medicaments) by patch testing in 270 children with atopic dermatitis. The incidence of delayed-type immune cutaneous reactions in these patients was lower than in the controls. Contact allergy is a rare finding in the first 4 years of life but its incidence increases subsequently. In subjects with atopic dermatitis the incidence of sensitization by contact with allergens contained in topical medicaments proved to be lower than in subjects with eczema of other types. The data collected pints to a reduced cell-mediated immune reactivity in a proportion of subjects with atopic dermatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two cases are described of acute contact dermatitis from an antifungal cream, containing pyrrolnitrin, employed for the treatment of linea cruris. Positive reactions to pyrrolnitrin and to a chemically related substance, 1-chloro-2,4dinitrobenzene, were put into evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the years, changes have had to be made in the list of topical drugs most frequently responsible for allergic contact dermatitis. The 4 most common sensitizers in Italy in the past have been sulfonamide, promethazine and penicillin, neomycin. Now the list is headed by neomycin, benzocaine and ethylenediamine. Antihistamines and parabens are less frequently observed as sensitizers. The increasing topical use of new drugs and additives, as well as older sensitizers, produces reactions to other substances, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, some antimycotic drugs, propylene glycol and benzoyl peroxide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of contact allergy was studied in a series of 165 patients with eczematous dermatitis of the feet correlated clinically with shoe contact. Positive reactions to one or more substances were recorded in 108 patients (65.4 %). Among the relevant sensitizers were chromium, paraphenylenediamine, paratertiary butylphenolformaldehyde resin and nickel, while the other allergens were benzocaine, neomycin, balsam of Peru, ethylenediamine and parabens. Allergic contact dermatitis of the feet can be prevented by recognition of the allergens responsible, control of hyperhidrosis and avoidance of topical allergens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triclocarban was subjected to a profiling of its dermatitis producing potential including irritancy (21-day cumulative irritancy potential and application to 213 normal controls), phototoxicity (method of Marzulli), predictive contact sensitization (modified Draize method), predictive phototesting and battery screening in 2200 dermatitis patients, in an effort to define its relative dermatitis potential. The allergic contact dermatitis potential of triclocarban following bar soap use appears minimal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triclocarban was subjected to a profiling of its dermatitis producing potential including irritancy (21-day cumulative irritancy potential and application to 213 normal controls), phototoxicity (method of Marzulli), predictive contact sensitization (modified Draize method), predictive phototesting and buttery screening in 2200 dermatitis patients, in an effort to define its relative dermatitis potential. The allergic contact dermatitis potential of triclocarban following bar soap use appears minimal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of contact allergy to 63 substances, including active principles and excipients used in a variety of topical preparations, has been studied by patch testing in 306 patients being treated conservatively for stasis dermatitis with or without ulceration. Positive reactions to one or more test compounds were recorded in ]77 patients. The main offenders among drugs were neomycin, sulphonamide and promethazine; among the excipients, they were parabens, lanolins and benzoyi peroxide. Frequent reactions were observed to certain substances of the 'para' group, benzocaine, diaminodiphenylmethane, aniline and paraphenylendiamine, with the first three acting mainly as indicators of cross-sensitization. The extension and spread of allergic dermatitis can also be produced by drugs administered systematically. Recognition of the allergens responsible for allergic contact dermatitis arising at the lower leg site is a necessary condition if chronicity and spread of the dermatitis are to be prevented. For the same reason it is important to restrict topical applications to non-allergic substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on contact sensitivity to Kathon® CG, a biocide, which is increasingly used as a preservative for cosmetics and toiletry products. Eight cases of contact dermatitis to Kathon® CG have been taken for reference. In six of them, the positive reactions were considered relevant because of the use of cosmetics creams containing the biocide. Positive reactions to kathon ® CG 100ppm aq. were detected positive. Kathon CG consists of two active ingredients, one of the which, 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, has been identified as the main sensitizer.

Propolis is a well known contact allergen, both in occupational and non-occupational environments. A case of a female psoriatic patient who developed allergic contact dermatitis to propolis has been reported. The patient has been using two topical products containing propolis. Patch tests with the ICDRG standard series and topical medicaments used for psoriasis were negative, but creams that contain propolis 20 % gave a strong positive reaction. The dermatitis cleared after patient stopped using propolis cream.

The article presents cases related to contact dermatitis caused due to scabicides. Post-scabics eczematous dermatitis is quite common and is probably due to prolonged use of the available topical preparations. In the last five years the author has treated 73 patients with widespread ectematous dermatitis following scabies. They all had a history of treatment with topical scabicides over periods of not less than 10 days. The preparations, freely available over the counter in Italy, are based on benzyl benzoate crotamiton or mesuiphen. The patients in question used preparations of either benzyl benzoate or in a majority of cases, mesuiphen.

Propylene glycol (PG) 20% in water was tested in a group of 400 subject with eczematous contact dermatitis. In six inpatients (1.5%) reactions were recorded as considered positive according to the following criteria; 1, the relevant history of prolonged contact with PG-containing topical pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations; 2 the reaction extended in time outside the area of application of the test substance, and persisted locally for several days; 3 a similar reaction was obtained on repetition of the test with a lower concentration of PG; 4, the prompt improvement in clinical manifestations of eczema on withdrawal of PG-containing topical preparations. With the PG concentration employed no irritant reactions were deserved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The topical use of anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic agents on the skin is increasing. Contact allergy to pyrazolone derivatives incorporated into creams is not an unusual finding. Patients sensitized to these substances as a result of their topical use should not be given them systemically for their analgesic and anti-rheumatic effects because of the risk of serious skin rashes. The possibility must also he envisaged of the existence of cross-reactions between the various pyrazolone derivatives.

The article presents information about a case study related to dermatitis in engineers due to synthetic coolants. In the engineering industry, workers employed on the production of metal components usually are at risk from contact with lubricants or cooling emulsions. Allergic sensitization is not common, the most frequent sources being metals and certain additives. The researchers studied workers over a four year period at a car engine factory producing pistons and other components. In one section employing 74 turners, 52 cases of contact dermatitis was diagnosed.

This article presents nine case reports of contact sensitization due to idoxuridine. Six had been treated with Idustatin ointment for recurrent herpes simplex labialis. After a variable number of recurrences, they developed an acute, red, oozing dermatitis of the face. Another 3 male patients with herpes zoster had been treated with the same medicament and after 8-10 days presented with an itchy contact dermatitis which had spread beyond the original site. In 1 case, a 75-year-old man, the dermatitis became generalized.

The article presents a study on allergic contact dermatitis in a group of patients with perianal eczema. Regarding the incidence of contact sensitivity to chemicals researchers present the patch test results in 62 patients suffering from anal and perianal eczema tested with 55 allergens including medicaments and other common substances. The results of preliminary research are as follows: positive reactions are related either to medicaments or to other substances, "Para" group substances are the most common; diaminodiphenylmethane is to be considered as a detector of "para" group sensitivity; -caines can be contained in topical medicaments. Chromate is also well represented.

The article focuses on the diagnosis of hypopigmentation following acute contact dermatitis from a match-box. Preliminary test revealed doubtful reaction to phosphorus trisulfide, negative reactions to dyes, metals, promazine, "para"-group, TBS, Formaldehyde, resins carbamates and rubber chemicals. Biopsy examination revealed acanthosis, round cellular infiltration in the upper part of the dermis, especially around the vessels. Precautionary measures are suggested for medical practitioners.

The article cites case studies related to contact dermatitis caused due to benzoyl peroxide (BP). BP, by virtue of its antimicrobial and keratolytic properties, is used in the treatment of acne, in addition to its use in the food and plastics industries. It may also be effective in the treatment of chronic leg ulcers. In Italy, BP is contained in certain topical preparations for acne in a concentration of 5% and in an epidermotrophic ointment for burns and ulcers in a concentration of 10%.