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Nov. 25, 1959
To the Editor:
Following the report of Dr. Dubow on a new ceruminolytic agent, Cerumenex (A.M.A.J. Dis. Child. 97:863, 1959), I began its use in office practice with the same excellent results reported. However, I have now encountered three moderately severe local sensitivities to this agent, the finding of which prompts this letter.
Within 24 to 48 hours after the use of Cerumenex, each of three children developed a weeping eczematoid dermatitis of the external ear canal and pinna bilaterally. Within 12 to 24 hours, a macular urticarial eruption appeared over the entire face, associated in one child with minimal periorbital edema. Two of these children were siblings; all three have moderate allergic histories, that is, milk allergy, allergic rhinitis, and recurrent upper respiratory infections. In each child, prompt relief of this allergic reaction occurred following the use of oral prednisolone and local prednisolone-containing ointments.
Since these