[Aluminum allergy caused by DTP vaccine]

All children referred to two private dermatological practices from 1 Jan. 1985 to 31 Dec. 1990 who had pruritus and subcutaneous infiltrates in the areas of immunization with Di-Te-Pol vaccine were patch tested with a Finn Chamber or with 2% aqueous aluminium chloride. Di-Te-Pol vaccine contains aluminium hydroxide. Contact allergy to aluminium was demonstrated in 32 children (20 girls and 12 boys). Of the three patch test methods used, testing with 2% AlCl3 occluded with a Finn Chamber proved to be the most sensitive. Immunization of children who have been shown to be allergic to aluminium should be carried out with vaccines which do not contain aluminium.