Contact urticaria from cephalosporins

A rare instance of contact-type urticaria resulting from an acquired sensitization to cephalosporin compounds in a chemist is reported. Patch tests elicited an immediate urticarial rather than a delayed contact-type response. Similar control tests to other antibiotics gave negative results. Although the patient's primary complaint was urticaria, prolonged or excessive contact with the cephalosporins caused coryza and dyspnea. Following transfer to another laboratory where the patient worked with other chemicals, there was no recurrence of symptoms.