Postinflammatory oedema in two patients with contact dermatitis. Effect of benzo-pyrones.

Two female patients with oedema of the arms and legs due to contact dermatitis complicated with recurrent infections were examined. The concentrations of plasma proteins of different molecular weight in the oedema fluid (collected from suction blisters) were highly increased. Albumin outflux as measured with radiolabelled albumin from the vessels of oedematous skin was markedly decreased corresponding to a decreased lymphatic function. Treatment with benzo-pyrones for 6 months did reduce the protein concentrations of the oedema fluid, but the clinical response was disappointing.