[CHRONIC DERMATITIS OF THE DORSUM OF THE FEET AND SHINS, DUE TO ALLERGIC CONTACT DERMATITIS TO LEATHER PRODUCTS]

A 40 year old woman presented with dermatitis mainly involving her dorsal feet and shins, a condition which was present for a prolonged period of time. The distribution was suggestive of allergic contact dermatitis, possibly to her shoes. Patch tests disclosed allergy to chromates, cobalt, colophony, all present in leather products, and allergy to myroxylon pereirae (Balsam of Peru). The patient was instructed to avoid wearing some of her shoes and sitting on her leather sofa. As a consequence, her symptoms ameliorated. This case demonstrates the importance of patch testing with correct interpretation and advice to improve quality of life in patients with dermatitis.