Shoe contact dermatitis

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.