LYMPHOCYTE-PROLIFERATION ASSAY, A POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVE WAY OF DEMONSTRATING ALLERGIC CONTACT-DERMATITIS IN RESPONSE TO CHLOROACETOPHENONE

We report on a case of pronounced sensitization to chloroacetophenone tear gas that developed after repeated occupational skin exposure in a 57-year-old police officer. Mainly in the presence of moisture and occlusion, cutaneous application of chloroacetophenone leads to severe irritant, and often also allergic, skin reactions. In patch testing the demonstration of allergic contact dermatitis in response to chloroacetophenone is hampered by the irritative potential of this substance even at low concentrations. This diagnostic bias can be overcome by the lymphocyte proliferation assay.