Granulomatous Hypersensitivity After Use of Zirconium-Containing Poison Oak Lotions

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
OF THE METALS to which man is exposed, only zirconium and beryllium are known to induce delayed granulomatous hypersensitivity. Historically, axillary granulomas following the application of zirconium-containing stick deodorants1-4 drew attention to this metal as a cause of allergic granulomas.5-8 More recent cases have masqueraded as sarcoidosis.9-11 In this report we describe another instance of presumed sarcoidosis due in fact to granulomatous hypersensitivity to zirconium in a topical remedy for poison oak dermatitis. Report of a Case A 16-year-old Japanese girl presented with a nonpruritic papular eruption of four months' duration on the face, forearms, and the dorsum of her hands. The lesions appeared as large, reddish-brown, flat-topped papules, 3 to 6 mm in diameter (Fig 1. Note: No topical therapy was used at this point.). She showed no signs of systemic illness. A biopsy revealed a "noncaseating dermal granuloma consistent with sarcoidosis." The clinical diagnosis was