Contact dermatitis caused by polyamide trouser pockets.

16 patients with a contact dermatitis limited to the thighs where polyamide trouser pockets contact are described. In a few patients there was also a photosensitive-like flare-up on the uncovered parts, such as face, neck and upper chest. Covered and uncovered lesions disappeared on changing their polyamide pockets to cotton ones. 11 of the 16 patients reacted positively to their own pockets. The clinical features, the histopathological studies and photobiological exploration are exposed. The actual linings used in the dressmaking industry are exposed. The procedures of fabrication and textile finishing of these pockets are described, also the chemicals used in these processes. Four cases showed sensitization to Bisphenol-A, but the intervention of epoxy resins in the fabrication of the pockets was technically denied. The relationship between these patients and other similar reported cases is discussed.