dinitrobenzenes and Urticaria

The most common reaction to fragrance materials seen by practicing dermatologists is allergic contact dermatitis. Photodermatitis is occasionally seen, as is contact urticaria, irritation, and depigmentation. Fragrances are the leading cause of allergic contact dermatitis due to cosmetics. The fragrance mixture can cause false-positive reactions; therefore, it is more desirable to test with a separate series of fragrance materials.

Topics: 1-Propanol; Acrolein; Balsams; Cosmetics; Coumarins; Dermatitis, Contact; Dinitrobenzenes; Eugenol; Humans; Perfume; Photosensitivity Disorders; Propanols; Resins, Plant; Skin Tests; Terpenes; Tetrahydronaphthalenes; Urticaria

The most frequently used source of indoor lighting is the fluorescent tube. Although there are major variations in phosphors, the majority of these lamps are safe, efficient, and economical illuminators. These fluorescent light sources are currently our primary source of visible light; however, they emit small amounts of ultraviolet A light (UVA) as well as a somewhat larger percentage of infrared radiation. Photosensitivity diseases have been reported in each of these three broad wavelength bands. Specific examples include heat urticaria from infrared exposure, contact photosensitivity of the phototoxic type following exposure to dyes and visible light, and two relatively rare but disabling conditions from ultraviolet A exposure--solar urticaria and contact photosensitivity of the photoallergic type (persistent light reaction). During the past five years, eight patients with photosensitivity induced by musk ambrette and UVA have been treated at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center; six of these have been severely disabled and satisfy the criteria for persistent light reactors. Fifteen patients with solar urticaria have also been observed. Ten of these had reactions in the UVA range. The clinical and laboratory findings of these two groups of patients were presented.

Topics: Aged; Animals; Dermatitis, Contact; Dinitrobenzenes; Female; Humans; Lighting; Male; Middle Aged; Photosensitivity Disorders; Ultraviolet Rays; Urticaria