[Contact allergy to Kathon CG].

Among 671 consecutive patients who underwent the patch test with Kathon CG (100 ppm active ingredient), 23 (3.43%) showed a positive reaction (87% females). In 52.2% of these cases the clinical relevance of these reactions was considered to be proven. Most of the patients were suffering from contact dermatitis of the face or hands. Cosmetics were found to be the major cause of sensitization. In view of the widespread use of this preservative, testing with Kathon CG is recommended in all cases of contact dermatitis.