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Biomedical subjects

F J Storrs

Publications and source records attributed to F J Storrs.

51 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Allergic contact dermatitis in two machinists.

Two machinists were seen whose chronic hand dermatitis was explained by allergic sensitivity to a biocide, Tris Nitro (2-[hydroxymethyl]-2-nitro-1,3-propanediol), which was added to their metalworking fluids (cutting oils) to prevent rancidity. The cause of the men's difficulty was first suspected when they had positive patch test reactions to a related biocide, Bronopol (2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol), which we added to our standard screening tray because of its presence in more than 500 cosmetic formulations. The detective skills of the patients uncovered the chemical, Tris Nitro, related to Bronopol in their work environment. Most cases of dermatitis seen in machinists are irritant in origin. As we achieve better cooperation from the metalworking fluid industry, perhaps an increasing number of allergens will be identified. When this occurs, a cooperative manufacturer can be invaluable in directing a machinist to a replacement--a well-preserved cutting fluid free of the allergen.

Adult↗

[Skin irritation caused by propylene glycols].

Propylene glycol is used in foods, medicine and cosmetics because it is a good solvent which has, simultaneously, moisture-regulating, antiseptic, and preservative effects. Propylene glycol may produce eczematous skin reactions of toxic and, more rarely, of allergic nature. Positive patch test reactions to propylene glycol are difficult to interpret. Allergic reactions may be confirmed by a clear clinical relevance, repeated local skin provocation (usage test), or oral provocation. In the Department of Dermatology, University of Oregon, 84 patients were patch tested with 100% propylene glycol. Five of 12 patch test-positive patients had allergic reactions while seven had irritant reactions. In the Department of Dermatology, Gentofte Hospital, 248 consecutive eczema patients were patch-tested with propylene glycol in concentrations of 100%, 20%, and 2% in water. Two of five patients with positive reactions to patch tests showed an itchy eczematous eruption after oral provocation with 15 ml propylene glycol. Skin reactions due to propylene glycol are rare and should not bring the preparation into unnecessary discredit. The possibility of propylene glycol allergy should be recognized by dermatologists as propylene glycol is used in local steroids and other topical preparations.

Adult↗

Use and abuse of systemic corticosteroid therapy.

Steroid-responsive acute dermatoses should be treated with a single morning dose of prednisone for approximately 2 weeks. It is necessary to "taper" a short course of oral prednisone given by this method. Chronic dermatoses should be treated whenever possible with prednisone used in the morning and on alternate days. This method is effective, is free of most side effects, and suppresses the HPA axis minimally. There are few real advantages in using intramuscular corticosteroids. TAC is an unusually strong suppressor of the HPA axis. For chronic dermatoses, a less suppressive preparation might best be chosen if the physician feels that the intramuscular route is the most reasonable one. In any event TAC should never be used more often than every two months. Finally, the time-course of HPA recovery following short courses of steroids is presently unknown. Nonetheless, some astute critics of steroid metabolism have felt obliged to advise us that individuals who have received from 1 to 4 weeks of suppressive steroid treatment should be suspect as to the integrity of their HPA axis in stressful situations for up to one year. The withdrawal from, as well as the use of, systemic corticosteroids requires a creative and critical physician.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

Photoallergic contact dermatitis to men's perfumes.

Three patients with photosensitive eruptions related to the use of different men's perfumes were evaluated. We found that they were photoallergic to musk ambrette, an inexpensive, readily available synthetic perfume ingredient. Studies of cross-reactivity with other perfumed colognes and after-shave lotions suggest that musk ambrette is present in clinically significant concentration in large numbers of other cosmetic products.

Allergens↗

Para-chloro-meta-xylenol allergic contact dermatitis in seven individuals.

Seven individuals are discussed who developed allergic contact dermatitis following sensitization to the antibacterial agent parachlorometaxylenol (chloroxylenol, PCMX) contained in either medicated Vaseline or in electro-cardiogram paste. The hazard of PCMX sensitization is great in that this chemical is present in over 30 "across the counter" products. PCMX sensitive people may cross-react to chlorocresol.

Adult↗

Herpes simplex virus shedding in genital secretions.

Nine women and eight men with a history of genital herpes had cultures taken for 60 consecutive days to assess the frequency and duration of viral shedding in the absence of symptoms. Daily self-obtained specimens (cervical-vaginal swabs from women and urethral swabs from men) were submitted for viral isolation. Five of 972 samples were found to contain infectious virus; two of the positive specimens correlated with overt disease. The other three positive cultures, two from the same individual, were not clearly associated with a genital infection. Thus, the overall frequency of asymptomatic viral shedding was 0.31% and occurred in two of 17 individuals. It is concluded that prolonged continuous sampling may be necessary to assess the risk of asymptomatic shedding. Infectious virus was not present in the genital secretions of most individuals (15 of 17) in the absence of a lesion, even when cultured on a daily basis for 60 days.

Adult↗