Occupational contact dermatitis from colophony and formaldehyde in banknote paper.

This article presents a case study of a 5-year-old bank clerk who developed a squamous dermatitis on the tips of his right thumb and index finger, which were continually exposed to paper money. This worsened in 1989, after new German banknotes were issued. It improved within a few weeks when he was not at work. A few days after resuming work, dermatitis reappeared in the same places. During the next 5 years, the eczema continued to worsen when he was in contact with banknotes. However, patch tests were performed to see the effective change in his skin.