Allergic contact dermatitis caused by zinc pyrithione associated with pustular psoriasis

Am J Contact Dermat. 1997 Sep;8(3):170-1.

Abstract

A case of allergic contact dermatitis to a shampoo containing zinc pyrithione associated with an eruption of pustular psoriasis is reported. The patient had had stable psoriasis for 5 years, and never any other skin disease. Within 1 week she developed severe generalized pustular psoriasis with many lesions where the shampoo was applied. Treatment with cyclosporin, 200 to 300 mg daily, cleared the eruption within 4 weeks, except for psoriasis of the scalp. Extensive patch testing revealed a relevant sensitization to zinc pyrithione. This case illustrates that a generalized pustular psoriasis can be provoked by a substance present in a hair shampoo. Short-term treatment with cyclosporin is valuable in exacerbations of psoriasis caused by allergic contact dermatitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cyclosporine / therapeutic use
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / drug therapy
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / etiology*
  • Female
  • Hair Preparations / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Organometallic Compounds / adverse effects*
  • Psoriasis / chemically induced*
  • Psoriasis / drug therapy
  • Psoriasis / physiopathology
  • Pyridines / adverse effects*
  • Scalp Dermatoses / chemically induced
  • Scalp Dermatoses / drug therapy
  • Scalp Dermatoses / physiopathology
  • Zinc / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Hair Preparations
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Organometallic Compounds
  • Pyridines
  • Cyclosporine
  • Zinc
  • pyrithione zinc