Sensitization to para-amino compounds in swim fins in a 10-year-old boy.

A ten-year-old boy presented with recurrent eczema on the dorsal of both feet and the thighs. His symptoms became worse when he used racing swim fins. Patch testing included the standard, ointments, preservatives, leather, textile dyes, rubber component, and corticosteroid series of the German Contact Dermatitis Research Group (DKG) as well as the patient's own materials (fin material). At 72 hours positive reactions were observed to blue flipper material, Acid Yellow 36, Bismarck Brown R, and DPPD. DPPD is widely used as an antioxidant in the rubber industries. Therefore, the dermatitis was most probably attributable to DPPD in the blue flipper material, although we were not able to prove this due to lack of cooperation of the manufacturer. Sensitization to Acid Yellow 36 and Bismarck Brown R are interpreted as cross sensitizations, since all substances are para-amino compounds.