Ascorbic acid in the prevention of chromium dermatitis.

A worker with strong chromium sensitivity was obliged to handle freshly printed paper with inks containing chromium. Because of his importance to the firm, he continued in the position despite a severe hand dermatitis. Gloves and barrier creams were unacceptable, as were oral antihistamines and corticosteroids. A solution of 10% ascorbic acid was applied to his hands at the worksite in order to reduce the active hexavalent chromium to the inactive trivalent form. This inexpensive, easy-to-use method resulted in a speedy recovery and long-term employment of a valued employee.