[Allergic reactions of the eczema type due to drugs (author's transl)]

Drug-induced allergic skin reactions of the eczema type may relatively frequently appear as allergic contact eczema or more rarely as "hematogenous contact eczema." In both types of eczema, a positive patch test to one or more allergens is essential for diagnosis. In 1971 and 1972, there were 85 patients with drug-induced eczema reactions (allergic reactions to the ointment bases and preservatives have not been taken into consideration). In 80 cases, topical applications were the contact allergens. The frequent contact allergies to benzocaine and Balsam of Peru seems significant. In 5 isolated cases we saw hematogenous contact eczema due to internal medication, e.g. with antibiotics.