Lichenoid Eruptions Following Contact Dermatitis

Abstract

Lichenoid-type lesions, following contact dermatitis, have been observed in photographic operators who handle certain p-phenylenediamines. The subject of lichenoid skin eruptions was recently reviewed from the histopathologic standpoint by Winer and Leeb.¹No mention was made of lichenoid eruptions following skin contact with allergens. These aromatic amines are used in making chemical intermediates, dyes for furs, antioxidants for gasoline, antioxidants for rubber, and as color developers in the photographic trade.²When used in photography, they have the interesting property of coupling with other chemicals to form a dye image. In this situation, they are partially oxidized to complex substances when exposed to air. Preventive measures observed by the photographic trade following skin contact with these agents are discussed in a final paragraph. Generally speaking, the cases of contact dermatitis seen in the photographic industry resulting from skin exposure to