FREQUENCY AND ASSESSMENT OF BENZOCAINE CO NTACT ALLERGY

Evaluating 3778 patch test results, we studied prevalence and localiza tion of benzocaine contact sensitization as well as the duration of hi story. We were particularly interested in the role of other ''para-gro up'' allergens and in patients with stasis dermatitis of the legs. Alt hough the sensitizing effect of benzocaine is well known and the subst ance has been increasingly substituted by other modern anesthetics, it is still widely used in Germany and produced positive reactions in 65 % of our cases. Therefore, it should remain part of the patch test st andard series. Of our positives to benzocaine 59.2 % were associated w ith positive patch tests to substances of the para-group. The high ave rage age and the cumulative incidence of benzocaine contact allergies after long-lasting treatment of chronic diseases show the low sensitiz ing potential of benzocaine. Nevertheless long-lasting topical treatme nt with benzocaine, often combined with polypragmasia, leads to a high number of sensitizations. As stasis dermatitis of the legs meets the ideal requirements of sensitization, it is important to restrict the t opical application of potential allergens such as benzocaine or other substances of the para-group.