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We performed patch tests with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp) antigens from 2 different sources in 355 non-randomly selected patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) and 398 subjects of a control group. The study demonstrated that contact sensitization to mites occurred in an appreciable % of AD cases (20.8%), using commonly available assay products. The differences recorded between the 2 materials tested were related to the concentration of P1 antigen. Non-atopic patients rarely showed positive reactions to Dp (0.75%), when strict criteria for readings were applied and if 2 readings were performed. Patients with positive patch tests did not necessarily show positive immediate skin tests. It would be useful to carry out tests systematically in atopic patients, even if it is not yet known what modern treatment would be best for the patient. Laboratories still do not provide standardized house dust mite preparations--measuring and codifying their biological activity--for use in patch tests. It is to be hoped that the extension of this type of test will lead to the production of better test materials, in syringes with homogeneous dispersion and concentration.

A comparison of the occupational dermatitis occurring in the same aircraft factory during 2 separate decades, 1955-1965 and 1981-1990, is presented. Subungual pulpitis is highly specific to this industry, because of the handling of resins and sealing agents. The number of cases dropped from 122 to 40, in accordance with progress in preventive medicine and technological changes in the factory. Irritant contact dermatitis nevertheless remained appreciable, while allergic contact dermatitis greatly decreased.

Kathon is an anti-microbial agent that is used as a preservative in cosmetics and bodily hygiene products. At the recommended levels of usage Kathon is innocuous and has a recognised efficacy. Nevertheless, following reappearance of contact allergic eczemas due to cosmetics and bodily hygiene products different authors have reported increase in sensitisation to it. We have met the same problems in the Service de Dermatology++ of the Hospital Sainte Marguerite at Marseille and we wished to make a deeper examination of the question and to ascertain whether the current cosmetics contained Kathon CG. For this we have developed a technique of liquid chromatography and tested 44 creams. Eight contained Kathon CG, of which 2 were responsible for contact eczema in patients.

Dynamic telethermography permits direct observation of the emission of infrared rays from the skin of the human body. A certain number of dermatological diseases are liable to modify this emission and then show more or less localised hypo- or hyperthermia, e. g. malignant melanomas which represent the best indication for this new means of paraclinical investigation which has the advantage of being strictly atraumatic. The other black tumours of the skin, the skin carcinomas, certain hematodermias, cutaneous metastases and pre-cancerous conditions, radiotherapy lesions and burns, and hemangiomas may also benefit from this method. In fact, the latter may give some information on their degree of spread and their extension and response to treatment.

This study concerns 465 patients with dermatitis. The clinical history suggested allergy to cosmetics, drugs, industrial products or clothes. These patients were tested with 29 preservatives chosen among the most frequently employed or most sensitising products. Seven french clinics of Dermatology were involved in this study during one year. The patients' age varied between 2 years old and 80 years old. Positive reactions were seen mostly with formaldehyde (4.7 p. 100), Bronopol (4.7 p. 100), ammoniated mercury chloride (3.8 p. 100), benzoic acid (2.1 p. 100), sodium benzoate (1.9 p. 100), parabens (1.9 p. 100), dichlorophen (1.7 p. 100), chloracetamid (1.5 p. 100), benzyl benzoate (1.5 p. 100), Germall 115 (1.2 p. 100), butylhydroxyanisol (1 p. 100) and Dowicil (0.8 p. 100). The incidence of sensitivity to formaldehyde, Bronopol, ammoniated mercury chloride is too high; their use should decrease. Patients sensitive to benzoic acid, benzyl benzoate are not rare. Chloracetamid whose frequency of uses seems to be rather low is a very sensitising product. Parabens which are widely used were seldom found positive; nearly all cases are caused by topical medications.

Five hundred subjects were patch-tested on the one hand with 25 allergens standard group and on the other hand with selected allergens depending on the occupation and history of each patient. They systematic standard series are responsible for 79 p. 100 of contact allergens. Among them the most frequent sensitizers observed include potassium dichromate, nickel sulfate, cobalt chloride, paraphenylenediamine, propylene-glycol, triethanolamine, balsam of Peru. The selected allergens stand for 21 p. 100 of our cases. These results are compared with those of other countries. The main sensitizers are involved in every case. However a few discrepancies are to be noted: turpentine and mercury do not occupy with us a foremost rank, whereas prophylene-glycol and triethanolamine which, according to our statistics, stand fourth and seventh, are not mentioned elsewhere. Differents factors can partly account for these variations: industrial products are submitted to local influence, as it occurs with turpentine for instance, environmental factors play an important part too and, above all, local industries. Nevertheless, this study brings into relief two facts:--the interesting use of systematic standard series, constantly updated, since they are responsible for 79 p. 100 of contact allergens;--the incidence of each patient's history and occupation on the choice of selected allergens, thanks to which we can put into relief less usual causes, though they should not been overlooked, since they stand for 21 p. 100 of the allergens so far listed.

Transcutaneous electric analgesia, based on the gate control theory, is used in stump pain, lumbar pain, traumatic pain following nerve damage and sciatic neuralgia. 3 patients using this method, showed contact dermatitis at the sites of contact of the electrodes. Patch tests were positive with the electrolyte gel, and in 2 cases, with propylene glycol. Transcutaneous electric analgesia may cause a certain number of side effects similar to those encountered with electrocardiography.

The authors report three cases of subcutaneous calcinoses of the leg, one after burns, the other two after voluntary injection of essence of terpentine. The evolution and recurrences after tentative surgical treatment prove that excision is indicated when a calcareous plaque has led to cutaneous ulceration. This resection must be complete and may thus involve skin grafts or cover flaps.

We report 2 cases of aluminium sensitivity in adults. Each time, the means of sensitization was the inoculation of aluminium-precipitated pollen or dust extracts for hyposensitization. We conclude that aluminium allergy is not exceptional and that in these cases one can observe allergic reactions to the Finn Chamber tests.

Organic photopolymerizable resins increasingly used in printing make it possible to produce flexible, lighter plates. A certain number of skin lesions and general symptoms appeared upon manipulation of plates made by the Letterflex process. In the workshop where this study was carried out, 12 out of 15 people suffered various degrees of skin lesions. The epicutaneous tests and biopsies performed indicate an allergic type reaction to one of the resin's constituents, polythiol. Experiments with animals confirm the strong allergenicity of this compound.