2017 Volume 11 Issue 4 Pages 326-332
A 65-year-old male patient had a history of using medical compression stockings for the past 5 years for the treatment of varicose veins in the legs. He developed demarcated erythematous dermatitis on both legs. Patch testing with the compression stocking was positive. We analyzed the stocking and performed patch tests with the components, revealing a positive result with 2-n-octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one (OIT) . We diagnosed the patient with contact dermatitis due to OIT. OIT is a isothilazolinone preservative that is often used in paint, adhesives, wooden products, and leather products. There are some reported cases of occupational contact dermatitis in other countries, but very few cases have been reported in Japan. Compression stockings are used as a medical device to support venous return in the legs. In this case, OIT was used as a deodorant and antibacterial. The stockings are worn for long hours with direct skin contact. Patients wearing compression stockings often have stasis dermatitis, and are thus more sensitive. We report this case to call attention to the use of isothiazolinone preservatives in stockings and clothing.
