An unusual local reaction after microsclerotherapy with chromated glycerin

A case of papular itching lesions after microsclerotherapy with chromated glycerin (CG) at a 72% concentration for telangiectases of the thighs is reported. Patch-test results were strongly positive for nickel sulfate (+++/+++) and thimerosal (++/++) whereas results were negative for the sclerosing agent CG 72% and glycerol (control). Intradermal injection of CG 72% in the thigh and intravascular injection of CG 72% into telangiectases of the knee produced erythematous papular itching lesions in about 5 to 6 hours. As a negative control, glycerol and sodium chloride 0.9% injected intradermically on the thigh did not cause any reaction. CG can elicit allergic reactions in patients who are sensitive to chromium and can cause new sensitizations to chromium. In our case, no positivity to potassium dichromate was observed.