An Unusual Manifestation of Hair Dye Allergy with Occupational Consequences

A 54-year old female with no history of atopy or previous dermatitis, working as an assistant nurse at the department of cardiology since many years, was referred to the department of occupational dermatology. The reason for referral was relapsing dermatitis with carbuncles progressing over a period of 3 years. Since the first episode the patient had had relapses of carbuncles on the ears, shins, elbows and buttocks lasting for a couple of weeks. Due to this she had been treated with oral antibiotics several times. Staphylococci were found in cultures from the carbuncles and due to risk of transmitting infection to her patients in the ward she often had to go on sick-leave.