In the past few years eurax® ointment containing 10% N-ethyl-o-crotonotoluide in a polyethylene glycol (carbowax®) base has been used as a scabicide and more recently as an antipruritic ointment. The literature reveals one report1 of sensitization to the active ingredient and several instances of sensitization to the base.2 Recently I observed a case of contact dermatitis from eurax® ointment which was due to the active principle, and because of the rarity of this finding I felt that it should be reported.
REPORT OF A CASE
M. C., the wife of a physician, had suffered from a pruritic recurrent eczema of the external auditory canals for many years. She had received various types of local therapy and considerable x-ray therapy in the past. During an exacerbation of her eczema, she applied curax® ointment to the external ears and to the skin around the ears