Bufexamac-containing ointments and creams are widely used by many patients with eczematous disorders as an alternative to topical corticosteroids. Recent studies provide evidence of a notable prevalence of contact sensitization in patch test populations. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of use of this topically-applied drug by eczema patients in general, and to evaluate its potential to cause allergic contact reactions. 500 routinely patch tested patients (f:m = 377:123) were tested with bufexamac 5% and Parfenac ointment (the only commercial product available in Austria) in addition to the standard and other series of the German Contact Dermatitis Group. The packaging of the commercial product was shown to the entire study population, to decide whether or not they had ever used this product. In addition, their general practitioner was contacted to verify the anamnestic data. A total of 30 patients agreed that they had definitely used bufexamac, 5 others having probably applied it. The indication for and the duration of treatment were noted. Positive and relevant patch test reactions to bufexamac, as well as the bufexamac-containing ointment, were seen in 20 out of these 35 patients (57%), and sensitization occurred even after short-term application. Our study demonstrates that bufexamac has to be assumed to be a topical drug with a very high sensitization rate in an unselected patch test population (4% of 500 patients), and should therefore be added to the standard series.
The roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) belongs to the deer (Cervidae) family and its habitat is widespread throughout Europe, the Middle East and Northern Asia. It is reddish‐brown in summer, greyish in winter, with a white rump patch, and known for its nimble‐ness and grace.
Acne excoriata (AE) is a frequent variant of self-inflicted skin conditions, which occurs predominantly in females. The condition seems to be almost always found in persons with psychological problems. Therapeutic approaches are often unsatisfying since this special group of patients typically does not recover with dermatological treatment. We report a 37-year-old female patient who had suffered for 5 years from AE. Exact history taking revealed that her manipulations were correlated with episodes of contact with bird products like feathers and eggs. The diagnosis of a bird egg syndrome could be proved by skin prick tests (ALK Abello, Denmark) as well as laboratory results (CAP FEIA, Pharmacia, Sweden), and consequent avoidance of handling bird products was the only but effective therapeutic measurement. In patients with suspected artefactual diseases, we strongly recommend to listen to the patients’ complaints in order to make the correct diagnosis and not to overlook a potential stimulus.
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