ALLERGIC CONTACT-DERMATITIS FROM THE NEWLY INTRODUCED FUNGICIDE FLUAZINAM

In spring 1992, several farmers in the western part of The Netherlands developed dermatitis on their hands, forearms and face. In some, the legs, trunk and genitals were also affected. Complaints ranged from a mildly itchy, papular rash to a painful, weeping and blistering dermat itis. Medical aid was needed by 5/9 of them. Some of the farmers grew seed potatoes, the others cultivated lilies. All of them had in common that their complaints emerged after repeated application of a new fun gicide over several weeks. The fungicide was Shirlan(R), with fluazina m as its active ingredient. 9 farmers were patch tested with a concent ration range of the whole formulation tag.) and of the active ingredie nt (pet.). In 7 of 9 farmers, positive patch tests were scored with bo th the whole formulation (down to 0.01% aq.) and fluazinam itself (dow n to 0.1% pet.). Patch tests in consecutive control patients (n=10) we re all negative. As it was impossible to substitute fluazinam as the a ctive ingredient, farmers are now supplied with detailed information a s to how to avoid skin contact as much as feasible.