DERMATITIS AND SECONDARY LEUKODERMA DUE TO FABRIC-LINED RUBBER GLOVES

Abstract

DERMATITIS due to use of synthetic rubber gloves is infrequent. For patients with so-called "housewife's" eczema of the hands, dermatologists frequently recommend the use of cotton or fabric-lined rubber gloves for household chores. A recent experience suggests that this recommendation carries with it added risks as well as safeguards, and the following case is reported to emphasize the risk. REPORT OF CASE G. T., a 40 year old white housewife, was seen on Sept. 27, 1949, complaining of an extremely pruritic dermatitis of the forearms and wrists of 10 days' duration. Examination revealed a patchy, erythematous, edematous, vesicular dermatitis of the lower two thirds of the flexor aspects of both forearms, the wrists and the dorsal surfaces of several fingers of both hands. Since the distribution of the eruption was suggestive of a contact dermatitis, the patient was questioned in detail regarding possible contact factors. It was learned that the