Allergic contact sensitivity to thiuram compounds in a hemodialysis unit

An outbreak of dermatitis among patients in a hemodialysis unit was traced to thiuram compounds, most likely coming from the hemodialysis apparatus itself. Eight of the 21 patients in the facility had allergic contact sensitivity to various thiuram compounds. Testing of patients from other hemodialysis units, in which different hemodialysis equipment was used, did not disclose sensitivity or dermatitis. In the affected patients, allergic contact sensitization of the skin probably resulted from the systemic circulation of an antigen during hemodialysis.