Systemic contact dermatitis from herbal and homeopathic preparations used for herpes virus treatment.

Systemic contact dermatitis may occur in contact-sensitized individuals when they are exposed to haptens orally, transcutaneously, intravenously or by inhalation. We report the case of a woman developing a diffuse skin eruption after the topical use of Rhus toxicodendron alcoholic extract and the oral introduction of a homeopathic preparation of the same substance for herpes treatment. An open test, performed with the Rhus toxicodendron tincture, showed an erythemato-oedematous response at 48 h and vesicular reaction at 96 h that was still present after 7 days.

Patch testing by additional series of allergens: results of further experiences.

Background: Patch testing with additional series (AS) of allergens may be a useful tool in diagnosing allergic contact dermatitis (ACD).

Objective: Aim of the study was to verify the usefulness, to check the reliability in clinical practice and to evaluate the economic costs of AS previously built up.

Methods: A total of 281 patients with suspicious ACD underwent patch test with the standard series (SS) and with one or more AS (51 among 71 built up).

Multicentre study of allergic contact cheilitis from toothpastes.

The present work reports the results of a multicentre study of toothpaste allergic contact cheilitis (TACC) conducted by GIRDCA (Gruppo Italiano Ricerca Dermatiti da Contatto e Ambientali). The study examined 54 patients with eczematous lesions on the lips, the possible cause of which was suspected to be the use of toothpastes. Patch tests were conducted with a standard series, a specially-targeted series (toothpaste cheilitis series, TCS), and with suspected toothpaste(s).

Epidemiological survey of contact dermatitis in Italy (1984-1993) by GIRDCA (Gruppo Italiano Ricerca Dermatiti da Contatto e Ambientali).

Background: The Gruppo Italiano Ricerca Dermatiti da Contatto e Ambientali (GIRDCA) resolved to obtain the most relevant data regarding contact dermatitis (CD) in Italy by means of a multicenter epidemiological study, involving research units (RU) throughout the country. The survey was performed with the collaboration of Generale Per l'Informatica, Rome (GEPIN) over the periods 1984 to 1988 and 1989 to 1993. The analytical study (of a transverse kind) was aimed at supplying prevalence measures.

Evaporimetiy in the differentiation of allergic, irritant and doubtful patch test reactions.

Background/aims: The aim is to evaluate, using evaporimetry, the possibility of getting further information supporting clinical reading of allergic, irritant reactions and doubtful patch test reactions.

Methods: The investigation was carried out on 204 patients (182 female and 22 male, mean age 31.6 years), patch tested routinely as suspects of allergic contact dermatitis.

[Contact dermatitis of the hands in housewives: the results of a multicenter study].

The survey was carried out between January 1988 and June 1990. It consisted in a clinical and allergological study of 1489 housewives, 880 of which had contact dermatitis at their hands. (group of "cases").

Contact dermatitis in hairdressers: the Italian experience. Gruppo Italiano Ricerca Dermatiti da Contatto e Ambientali.

A multicenter study was performed in 9 Italian centers by members of the GIRDCA, to evaluate the frequency and source of contact sensitization in a group of 302 hairdressers with dermatitis. Occupational habits and use of preventive measures were specifically investigated both in these 302 hairdressers and in a further group of 240 hairdressers who answered a questionnaire. The results showed the presence of an occupationally relevant sensitization in 60.

Occupational contact dermatitis in 2 dental technicians.

2 dental technicians, both with chronic hand eczema, reported worsening from the use of 2 products containing methyl methacrylate, employed in manufacturing acrylic prostheses. Patch tests in both patients gave positive reactions to methyl methacrylate, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate and products employed in manufacturing acrylic prostheses (2% and 5% pet.).