HISTIOCYTIC REACTION ASSOCIATED WITH TOPICAL ALUMINUM-CHLORIDE (DRYSOL REACTION)

BACKGROUND. In the past few years, dermatologists have begun to use al uminum chloride (Drysol) as a hemostatic agent for minor surgical proc edures. An unusual histiocytic reaction was noted in biopsies of skin previously treated with aluminum chloride. This reaction consisted of a proliferation of histiocytic cells that contained prominent basophil ic cytoplasmic granules. OBJECTIVE: To determine the cause of this rea ction and the nature of the basophilic granular material within the hi stiocytic cells. METHODS. Four cases are presented in which re-excised tissue previously treated with aluminum chloride were examined with s pecial histochemistry staining and roentgen diffraction studies. RESUL TS. The granules of these histiocytes stained positively with the alum inon stain, a stain specific for aluminum, although no aluminum was fo und using the less sensitive roentgen diffraction studies. CONCLUSION. These studies support the concept that aluminum chloride can cause a proliferative histiocytic reaction when used as a topical cauterizing agent.