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Contact allergy to 8-methoxypsoralen
H Korffmacher1, R Hartwig, U Matthes
1Department of Internal Medicine, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany.
Contact Dermatitis
|May 1, 1994
Summary
Psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy worsened dyshidrotic eczema in a patient. Patch testing revealed a Type IV allergic reaction to 8-methoxypsoralen, a component of Meladinine solution.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Phototherapy
- Contact Dermatitis
Background:
- Dyshidrotic eczema is a recalcitrant skin condition.
- Topical therapies often fail to provide adequate relief for severe cases.
- Phototherapy, such as PUVA, is considered for treatment-resistant dermatoses.
Observation:
- A 36-year-old female patient with dyshidrotic eczema unresponsive to topical treatments was treated with PUVA.
- The patient experienced an acute exacerbation of eczema following PUVA therapy.
- Patch testing was performed to investigate potential causative agents.
Findings:
- Patch testing identified Type IV sensitization to 8-methoxypsoralen.
- 8-methoxypsoralen is the active ingredient in Meladinine solution, commonly used in PUVA therapy.
- This sensitization indicates a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction to the photosensitizer.
Implications:
- 8-methoxypsoralen can induce allergic contact dermatitis in susceptible individuals undergoing PUVA therapy.
- Alternative treatment strategies or modified phototherapy protocols may be necessary for patients with this sensitization.
- This case highlights the importance of patch testing in evaluating adverse reactions to photochemotherapy agents.