C. D. Calnan

Occupational nickel dermatitis in the electroforming industry

An outbreak of occupational dermatitis in an electroforming plant where there was heavy exposure to nickel is described. Patch test investigations confirmed nickel allergy in 13 of 27 exposed individuals Nickel chloride was found to be a more reliable patch test allergen than nickel sulphate.

Quinazoline Yellow SS in cosmetics

Five cases of allergic contact dermatitis from Quinazoline Yellow SS (D and C Yellow 11) in cosmetics are described, three from a lipstick and two from a rouge stick. Four of them showed marked oedema spreading to the eyelids and down to the neck. Two of them required systemic steroids. All four had strongly positive patch tests to the dye and to the cosmetic used.

Cinnamon dermatitis from an ointment

Six patients are reported who had an allergic contact dermatitis from the use of H proprietary antiseptic ointment containing oil of cinnamon. Three were positive and three negative to balsam of Peru; two of these and one other also reacted to cinnamic aldehyde. The history and usage of cinnamon is briefly reviewed.

Allergy to phenyl salicylate

Six cases of contact dermatitis from a lip salve are described. Five were allergic to phenyl salicylate and one to geraniol in the fragrance. The dermatitis spread in a ring around the mouth. Phenyl salicylate has been removed from the formulation.

Contact urticaria to fruit and birch sensitivity

ed a case of contact allergy to Tomanol ointment containing phenylbutazone and isopyrine used for rheumatic pains in the leg. Finally, Valsecchi eta!. (5) reported a case of dermatitis to oxyphenbutazone with cross sensitivity to phenylbutazone. However, contact allergy to ketoprofen (2-3 benzoyl-phenyl-propionic acid), a new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, has not been reported previously.

Oxypolyethoxydodecane in an ointment.

E. M. (P61l44), a female market gardener, aged 55, had had a recurrent dermatitis of the hand, extensor surfaces of the arms, around the mouth and eyelids. She had previously had retro-auricular eczema from the age of 5 to 20. She had also had a rash under a wedding ring and from a gold locket on her neck. No personal or family history of atopy existed. Examination showed dermatitis of the palms and dorsa of the hands and the flexor aspect of the forearms. She wears dentures and has angular cheilitis. She has worked as a market gardener for the past 7 years, cultivating chrysanthemums, dahlias, tomato plants and runner beans. For the past 6 months she also worked as a greengrocer. She frequently wore rubber gloves. Patch testing results were as follows: Thiuram-mix Pentamethylthiuramdisulphide (1 % pet.) Rest of standard series Primula Potting compost Tomato Runner bean Dahlia Chrysanthemum Alantolactone 0.1 % in petroleum 48h 96h + +

Chromate dermatitis from a boiler lining

Chromate dermatitis is described in a mechanical fitter working inside boiler combustion chambers. A source of hexavalent chromate is traced to the action of the heat and alkaline fuel ash on trivalent chrome ore in pans of the refractory lining. Removal of the patient from this contact has resulted in almost complete clearing of his dermatitis, without any relapse, during a 9‐month follow‐up period.

Dermatitis from slimicides in a paper mill

Dermatitis is reported from slimicides added to wood pulp slurry in a paper mill. The active constituents of the slimicides involved were bis‐l,4‐bromoacctoxy‐2‐butene and 2,3‐dichloro‐4‐bromotetrahydrothiophene‐1,1‐dioxidc. Wood pulp slimicides include many chemicals which are highly irritant and potentially sensitizing to the skin.

Irritant dermatitis during the relining of a blast furnace

An outbreak of dermatitis is reported amongst steel erectors, platers and welders working on the relining of a blast furnace. Evidence is produced for regarding this as an occupational primary irritant contact dermatitis.