[Lead poisoning caused by long-term use of Diachylon ointment]

A 64-year-old female patient, whose extensive bilateral leg ulcers had been treated by daily dressings with diachylon ointment for more than a year, developed lead intoxication associated with general weakness, loss of weight, anemia, hypotension, and neuropathy. The intoxication was proved by the increased levels of lead in blood (threefold) and urine (tenfold). Treatment with dimercaptopropane sulphonic acid (Dimaval) resulted in a considerable emptying of the lead deposits, and the symptoms of poisoning subsided. It is discussed if lead-containing ointments are still justified in modern dermatology.