Elbow eruptions in nickel and chromate dermatitis

In 7 patients with nickel or chromate allergy and dyshidrotic hand eczema, we observed symmetric hyperkeratotic lesions on the elbows which ran a similar course to the hand dermatitis. Histopathological examinations show findings suggestive of lichen simplex chronicus and subacute-chronic dermatitis, but exclude psoriasis. We conclude that these elbow lesions are a characteristic of systemic allergic contact dermatitis.