title: 1,2-Ethanedithiol-induced erythema multiforme-like contact dermatitis.
abstract: Contact dermatitis simulating erythema multiforme can be caused by many allergens. The chemical agent 1,2-ethanedithiol, which serves as a protective group in chemical synthesis, has hitherto only been implicated as an irritant. We report on a 22-year-old female chemistry student who developed widespread erythema multiforme-like lesions after local contact with 1,2-ethanedithiol. Many target lesions were observed bilaterally on her hands, forearms, arms, and on her forehead. One such lesion was histologically compatible with erythema multiforme. The patient had a positive patch test to 1,2-ethanedithiol, whereas none of 30 healthy subjects showed a positive reaction. However, eight of the 30 controls (26.7%) developed irritant reactions to 1,2-ethanedithiol. Cautious handling of the compound is a prudent precaution.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Jeng-Wei
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Tjiu
authors.forename: Chia-Yu
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Chu
authors.forename: Chee-Ching
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Sun
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004892:Erythema Multiforme / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D019855:Ethylene Glycol / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007509:Irritants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D010328:Patch Tests; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D007509:Irritants; D011239:Prednisolone; D019855:Ethylene Glycol; D008775:Methylprednisolone