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Retesting 50 patients with stasis dermatitis after a period of time (3-25 months) revealed significantly less positive patch test results (p less than 0.05). All procedures were, of course, standardized. The main reasons for this were elimination of the sensitization agents in the interim and testing with a less acute skin condition. Allergens that are difficult to avoid, such as the 'para' compounds and balsam of Peru and related substances, show a higher degree of persistence in subsequent patch testing.

Patch test results from 163 patients with leg ulcers and/or chronic venous insufficiency, tested with a modified ICDRG standard test battery and a pharmaceutical test series, are analyzed and compared with the results obtained from a randomly selected control group of patients with eczematous conditions. A sensitization index for the most common contact allergens present in this test series is calculated, and the relevancy of hypersensitivity to specific topical agents is determined.

Two cases of mercury poisoning with predominantly dermatological symptoms are reported. The mercury intoxication was caused by the application of an over-the-counter metallic mercury ointment. The calculations of mercury excretion suggest strongly that cutaneous absorption could have been a significant route of entry.