To the Editor.—
Contact dermatitis has rarely been reported in more than one member of a family. Three different families in which allergic contact dermatitis developed in several members at the same time have been observed.
Report of Families.—Family 1.—
A husband and wife each used a spray containing tribromohydroxytoluene on their right foot for pruritus. This spray had been used by both patients on other occasions without adverse effects. On this occasion, however, an acute, blistering eruption developed in both within a 24-hour period (Figure). After the condition had been treated with topical 0.025% fluocinolone acetonide and was quiescent, patch tests were performed. In this way, allergy to the spray was confirmed.
Family 2.—
Three siblings, aged 9, 6, and 5 years, acquired pruritic, erythematous streaks on their limbs after playing in the garden. Patch tests were done after the eruption had subsided. The patch tests were