Glutaraldehyde (pentanedial) allergic contact dermatitis. Usage test on sole and antecubital fossa: regional variations in response

Abstract

Glutaraldehyde (pentanedial) is an effective topical therapeutic agent [antimicrobial activity] for patients with hyperhidrosis of the soles. A usage test was performed on the soles and antecubital fossae of 6 previously documented glutaraldehyde-sensitive subjects. All had negative usage test reactions to 25% glutaraldehyde on the soles. When tested on the antecubital fossae with 2.5% glutaraldehyde, they developed a severe dermatitis within 48 h. These data demonstrate a striking variation by which glutaraldehyde-sensitive patients tolerate or react to its use in 2 diverse anatomic sites.