Summary
Based on data of the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK) of the
years 2012–2016, we describe the spectrum of contact sensitization in 2011 patients
with venous ulcers, stasis dermatitis and/or chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and
compare it to the sensitization spectrum of an age-matched control group (n=30 924)
without these diseases. CVI patients frequently were sensitized to balsam of Peru,
ointment base ingredients, particularly lanolin alcohols, antioxidants, in particular
tert-butylhydroquinone, colophony, fragrances, and parabens. Compared to earlier IVDK
data analyses, the sensitization spectrum is qualitatively unchanged. Skin care products
for CVI patients should not contain Balsam of Peru (Myroxylon pereirae), fragrances,
lanolin alcohols, tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), and parabens. It should be noted
that there are the so-called paraben and lanolin paradoxes: CVI patients may have
intolerance reactions to parabens or lanolin alcohols on eczematous skin at the lower
leg, while at the same time tolerating these compounds on healthy, normal skin in
other regions of the body.
Keywords
Chronic venous insufficiency - skin care - contact allergy
