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22 cases of allergic contact dermatitis from topical corticosteroids were observed in Strasbourg and previously published 7 further cases are reported here and the vehicle and concentration of corticosteroids for patch tests are discussed. A 0.1% concentration in petrolatum seemed adequate for testing the 4 molecules (triamcinolone acetonide, dexamethasone, desonide and amcinonide) responsible for the 7 new, cases. In 1 case, several cross-reactions were seen. A corticosteroids screening series permits patch testing of the suspected molecule(s) in a selective way. Without this series, long delays arc required to make [he correct diagnosis by patch testing. We have reviewed more than 60 paper on corticosteroids allergy published up to now. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents 2 public announcements. First announcement is related to 4th meeting of the "International Society for Bioengineering and the and the Skin." this meeting will take place in Besançon, France, from 7th to 9th September 1983. Second announcement presents a list of fellowship awards which will be presented for the year 1983. The winner of the Poster Session will be awarded $800, winner of the Stelwagon Prize for the best paper will receive $800 and A third award of $800 will be given to an academically oriented dermatologist.

The 4th International Symposium of the "International Social Security Association Research Section" on contact dermatitis will be held in Palais des Congres, Strasbourg, France, from 22-23 October, 1992. The working languages of the symposium will be English, French, German. The title of the symposium is "Hazard Control at the Workplace." To submit a paper or a poster, it is required to send an abstract to the Secretariat of the symposium by October 31, 1991. The organizing committee will make a selection and inform about the decision by January 30, 1992.

This article presents a brief information on congresses and conventions on dermatology, to be held in various parts of the world as of April 1992. The 10th symposium on Advances in Skin Pharmacology, will be held at the Hotel Pullman in France from October 1-3, 1992. The opening session will cover most recent advances at the molecular level in the elucidation of pathological processes in the skin. International Conference on Work and Health will be held at Copenhagen, from February 22-25, 1993.

Cross-sensitization between two plant allergens, Frullania and Laurus Nobilis (L), has been demonstrated in Strasbourg. A review of the haptens isolated from Frullania outlines the importance of the purification of allergen to ascertain the nature of the Causative agent. New results on laurel oil point to the possibility of a common denominator (the α-methylene γ-butyrolactone moiety) between this plant and Frullania; former results are re-interpreted and analyzed. In conclusion, the importance of physico-chemical methods used to purify and isolate haptens, and help in their definition, is stressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contact dermatitis from frullania mainly affects people living in the country. The 2 most frequent species in Europe, Frullania dilatata and Frullania tamarisci, do not cross-react: both species must be patch tested when frullania intolerance is suspected. Yet patch testing with frullania may be hazardous: 9 out of 37 cases recorded in Strasbourg correspond to active sensitization by the tests. Since routine testing is risky, only aimed testing can be recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

8 cases of allergic contact dermatitis from hydrangea seen in Angers, France, during the last 15 years are reported and compared to other cases found in the literature. In this review, allergic contact dermatitis from hydrangeas appears to be an occupational dermatosis among nursery workers, presenting as an eczema involving the hands and especially the first 3 fingers, with chronic features of fissuring and scaling and with a chronic course. Differential diagnosis from irritant contact dermatitis may be difficult. Patch tests with the stem as well as the leaf of hydrangeas gave strong positive reactions in all patients, and hydrangenol, the allergen of hydrangea, when tested, always also gave a positive reaction. Sensitization seems to occur after close and prolonged contact with the plant, which could explain the relative frequency in Angers because it provides almost 90% of hydrangea seedling production in France. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]