PURPURIC CONTACT-DERMATITIS TO NEOMYCIN

Purpuric dermatitis is an unusual form of contact dermatitis. The auth ors report a case of localized purpura, induced by application of a dr essing containing neomycin onto trophic disorders of the leg. Skin pri ck tests confirmed sensitisation to neomycin at the 48th and 96th hour s (++). Elimination of the allergen and the local corticosteroid thera py rapidly induced resolution of the purpura. Purpuric contact dermati tis is rare, essentially related to allergens of the rubber family. Th eir mechanism is controversial: delayed hypersensitivity, related to i mmune complexes or simple irritation? No other case following applicat ion of neomycin has been previously reported.