CONTACT SENSITIZATION IN CHRONIC VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY - MODERN WOUND DRESSINGS

Patch tests with an expanded European standard series and 20 different wound dressings revealed sensitization in 78% of all (36) patients. T he charts of allergens were headed by ointment bases (wool wax alcohol s sensitization in 33% of all patients; Amerchol L-101 19.4%; cetearyl alcohol 13.9%: propylene glycol 8.3%), followed by plant resins/ether eal oils (balsam of Peru 22.2%; colophony 13.9%, fragrance mix 8.3%; p ropolis 5.6%) and topical antibiotics (neomycin sulfate 16.7%, chloram phenicol 13.9%), while usually common sensitizers like metal salts wer e not found as often (nickel sulfate 16.7%; potassium dichromate 13.9% ; cobalt chloride 5.6%). Sensitization to modern wound dressings was f ound in 8.3% (3 cases) and was caused by propylene glycol as an ingred ient of hydrogels; no sensitization was found to hydrocolloids, algina tes or polyurethane foams. The overall sensitization rate in 2nd degre e CVI tvas nearly as high as in 3rd degree CVI, but sensitization to o intments, their additives and topical antibiotics was significantly hi gher in 3rd degree CVI. Significant differences in sensitization frequ encies to individual allergens were found between male and female pati ents. Our investigation points out the high risk of sensitization in 2 nd as well as 3rd degree CVI, especially to ointment bases and active principles of topical drugs. Even wound dressings may cause allergic c ontact reactions.