[Acute perceptive hearing loss and metabolic acidosis as complications of the topical treatment of psoriasis with salicylic acid-containing ointment].

A 36-year-old woman, hospitalized because of an exacerbation of psoriasis, developed fever, sudden deafness and severe metabolic acidosis after treatment with a 10% salicylic acid containing ointment for four days. The use of salicylic acid on large areas of inflamed skin enhances the risk of transcutaneous resorption and intoxication. High serum concentrations (> 300 mg/l) of salicylic acid deregulate the blood glucose metabolism and cause damage to the inner ear. After timely intervention such symptoms are largely reversible.