Allergy to various components of topical preparations in stasis dermatitis and leg ulcer

Abstract

Patients suffering from stasis dermatitis and leg ulcers (192) gave an allergic reaction in epicutaneous tests to 1 or more components of topical preparations in 69.2% of cases. The most common reactions were obtained with neomycin 34.0% and its component framycetin 31.2%, wool alcohols 22.9%, balsam of Peru 21.4%, chlorquinaldon 16.7%, bacitracin 13.1%, chinoform 10.9%, dequalin 9.9%, formaldehyde 4.2% and parabens 3.6%. The incidence of allergic reactions reflects local use of preparations containing various allergens as well as their capacity to produce allergy. Allergy may in some cases interfere with effective topical therapy. Debrisan dextran polymer beads were suitable for treatment of ulcers of multiallergic patients without risk of contact allergy.