Palmar eczema: a pathogenetic role for acetylsalicylic acid, contraceptives and smoking?

A statistical study of the relationship between vesicular palmar eczema and various clinical variables was carried out. Vesicular palmar eczema was found in 153 cases (38%), thereof 113 females (76%). Ninety-two percent of all found cases could be regarded as pompholyx. Three new pathogenetic factors were suggested in the vesicular palmar eczema: use of acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin), contraceptives and smoking. Furthermore, the relationship between pompholyx and contact allergy to nickel was confirmed. No correlation to atopy was found. However, both atopy and sex were found to constitute certain risk factors. The study was based on information from 425 consecutively patch tested patients (74% females) from our local database DALUK.