Prevalence of Contact Hyper Sensmviw to Common Antiseptics, Antibacterials and Antifungals in Normal Persons

Abstract

Two hundred individuals including 127 apparently normal persons and 73 patients with non-eczematous minor dermatoses were patch tested with 26 commercially available topical antiseptic, anti-bacterial and antifungw preparations. Forty five persons showed 68 positive patch tests, 18 of which were positive for more than one preparation. Males and females showed positive patch test in 23.56 and 83% individuals respectively. Sensitivity to nitrofurazone (furster), benzoic acid, sodium thiosulphate, Multifungin and oxytetracycline (Terramycin) was found in 15 (7.5%), 13 (6.5%). 8 (4%) and 5 (2.5%) persons espectively. The study highlights contact sensitivity to benzoic, sodium thiosulphatc and hamycin for the first time. No person wasn found sensitive to sodium fusidate (Fucidin), gentamicin (Genticyn), toinaftate (Tolnaderm), miconazole (Micogel), clotrimazole (Mycocid), savlon and gentian violet. In view of the possibility of contact sensitivity developing in large number of apparently normal persons (22.50'/o) to a number of commercially available topical preparations, the risk should be weighed against the benefits derived from their use.