title: Histiocytic reaction associated with topical aluminum chloride (Drysol reaction)
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In the past few years, dermatologists have begun to use aluminum chloride (Drysol) as a hemostatic agent for minor surgical procedures. An unusual histiocytic reaction was noted in biopsies of skin previously treated with aluminum chloride. This reaction consisted of a proliferation of histiocytic cells that contained prominent basophilic cytoplasmic granules.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To determine the cause of this reaction and the nature of the basophilic granular material within the histiocytic cells.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four cases are presented in which re-excised tissue previously treated with aluminum chloride were examined with special histochemistry staining and roentgen diffraction studies.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The granules of these histiocytes stained positively with the aluminon stain, a stain specific for aluminum, although no aluminum was found using the less sensitive roentgen diffraction studies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These studies support the concept that aluminum chloride can cause a proliferative histiocytic reaction when used as a topical cauterizing agent.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of California, Irvine.
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Barr
authors.forename: K S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Alpern
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jay
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000077410:Aluminum Chloride; D017607:Aluminum Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001706:Biopsy; D002712:Chlorides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015614:Histiocytosis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D009508:Nevus, Pigmented / Q000473:pathology; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology*
chemical_list: D017607:Aluminum Compounds; D002712:Chlorides; D000077410:Aluminum Chloride