OTOTOXICITY OF TOPICALLY APPLIED SALICYLI C-ACID IN PSORIASIS

Background: Whereas cochlear impairment after intravenous ingestions o f salicylates is well known, reports of cochlear symptoms after topica l application are quite rare. The extent of the ototoxic salicylate im pact is increased by diabetes, renal insufficiency, and alcoholism. Pa tient: This study presents a case report of a female patient who suffe red a repeated, symmetric, pancochlear, reversible inner ear impairmen t after two treatments with salicylate containing ointment for psorias is. The correlation of the salicylate therapy with the observed inner ear lesions is obvious due to the close interval between these inciden ces and to the audiologic criteria typical for salicylate intoxication . Conclusion: Audiologic controls should be carried out during extende d local application of salicylate containing ointment.