benzofurans and Facial-Dermatoses

A 48-year-old clerical officer with a recurrent facial eruption had positive patch test reactions to nickel, fragrance mix and lichen acid mix. On testing to individual ingredients of fragrance mix and lichen acid mix, she had 2+ reactions to oak moss, which is thought to be the main allergen in fragrance mix, and to usnic acid, which is one of a number of lichen acids comprising oak moss. Avoidance of fragrance use resulted in clearing of the eruption but, subsequently, an acute vesicular flare on her face and hands occurred after exposure to lichen on garden shrubs.

Topics: Allergens; Benzofurans; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Facial Dermatoses; Female; Humans; Hydroxybenzoates; Lichens; Middle Aged; Patch Tests; Perfume

Topics: Acetophenones; Adult; Benzofurans; Chemical Industry; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Dermatitis, Occupational; Eczema; Facial Dermatoses; Forearm; Hand Dermatoses; Humans; Male

Topics: Amiodarone; Benzofurans; Facial Dermatoses; Fluorescence; Humans; Lipofuscin; Pigmentation Disorders; Pigments, Biological

Topics: Aged; Amiodarone; Arrhythmias, Cardiac; Benzofurans; Drug Eruptions; Facial Dermatoses; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pigmentation Disorders

Amiodarone hydrochloride is a noncompetitive adrenergic blocker used in the treatment of tachyarrhythmias. Its use in Europe and South America has been associated with cutaneous pigmentation thought to be caused by lipofuscin deposition in the dermis. We describe a similar case occurring in North America. A skin biopsy specimen from the patient was examined by light microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and electron microscopy. From these examinations, a diagnosis of dermal lipofuscinosis was made.

Topics: Aged; Amiodarone; Benzofurans; Facial Dermatoses; Humans; Lipofuscin; Male; Pigmentation Disorders; Pigments, Biological; Skin