Jeng-Wei Tjiu, Chia-Yu Chu, Chee-Ching Sun
DOI: 10.1080/00015550410033571

Contactdermatitis simulating erythema multiforme can be caused by manyallergens. The chemical agent 1,2-ethanedithiol, which serves as aprotective group in chemical synthesis, has hitherto only beenimplicated as an irritant. We report on a 22-year-old female chemistrystudent who developed widespread erythema multiforme-like lesions afterlocal contact with 1,2-ethanedithiol. Many target lesions were observedbilaterally on her hands, forearms, arms, and on her forehead. One suchlesion was histologically compatible with erythema multiforme. Thepatient had a positive patch test to 1,2-ethanedithiol, whereas none of30 healthy subjects showed a positive reaction. However, eight of the30 controls (26.7%) developed irritant reactions to 1,2-ethanedithiol.Cautious handling of the compound is a prudent precaution.