Contact Photodermatitis Due to Bithionol and Related Compounds

Abstract

Chemical antibacterial compounds used in soaps and cosmetics were the causative agent in the majority of patients seen with contact photodermatitis. Clinical examinations and patch tests were given to a group of 20 patients with contact photodermatitis due to bithionol and three patients with contact photodermatitis due to hexachlorophene. This problem of photosensitivity presents similar clinical findings and occurs with equal severity in both white and Negro patients. Persistent photosensitivity has occurred in approximately one third of our patients.