Irritant dermatitis from tri-butyl tin oxide and contact allergy from chlorocresol

A shipwright developed a delayed bullous irritant dermatitis from contact with a bis-tri-butyl tin oxide (TBTO) containing antifouling paint. He subsequently developed sensitization to 4-chloro-m-cresol, a constituent of a steroid cream. No cross sensitivity to 4-chloro-3,5 xylenol was seen. Low concentrations of 4-chloro-m-cresol in pet. may elicit a true positive reaction. TBTO is a strong irritant which will produce delayed bullous reactions in industrial use and on patch testing at 0.1% aqueous.

Acyclovir and the treatment of herpetic whitlow

The herpes simplex virus can cause both oral and cutaneous lesions. Herpetic whitlow is a cutaneous manifestation of a herpetic infection. The source of the infection for many medical and dental professionals is the oral cavity. Acyclovir, an antiviral agent used in the treatment of herpes simplex virus infections, was administered in the treatment of herpetic whitlow. Controlled studies of acyclovir therapy for herpetic whitlow have not been done; however, its use by health care providers to treat the symptoms of herpetic whitlow and a review of the disease are discussed in this case report.

Progressive systemic sclerosis occurring in patients exposed to chemicals

Eight patients with systemic sclerosis previously exposed to organic chemical agents were investigated. Laboratory and clinical data of these patients were evaluated. The interval between the beginning of exposition and symptoms was 6.1 +/- 4.9 years. Considering the laboratory findings, a slight decrease in OKT4 positive T cell number was found. The antinucleolar and fine speckled antinuclear antibody pattern was found simultaneously in five cases. The possible role of chemical agents in the development of sclerodermic changes is discussed.

Dithiocarbamate therapy for nickel dermatitis

Increased internal exposure to nickel can cause an exacerbation of nickel contact dermatitis. Nickel ions are chelated by diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) and thereby inactivated. An oral dose of about 1 g DDC/day was given to a patient. The nickel excretion in the urine increased about tenfold; the nickel elimination in scalp hair did not increase. The slightly negative nickel balance did not exhaust the nickel content of the organs appreciably with a dose of 1.2 g DDC/day for 2 months. At the end of this experiment patch tests with nickel sulphate were still positive though less local therapy was needed, and the cross correlation between the activity of the eczema and the nickel concentration in the urine had lost its former periodicity. It is therefore not yet possible to conclude whether or not DDC may be really of help in the very nickel hypersensitive patient by reducing the exposure to nickel originating in food and other environmental sources.