A standard patch test series was tested for 7 years (1977-1983) in a total of 11,962 patients. The annual frequency of positive reactions to the compounds tested was assessed for the total and for males and females separately. During the observation period, there were significant increases in positive reactions in the total group from 6.2% to 12.7% for nickel sulphate, from 5.3% to 7.0% for balsam of Peru and from 3.8% to 6.5% for potassium dichromate, reflecting significant changes in both sexes. The frequency of positive reactions to wool alcohols, formaldehyde, neomycin sulphate, paraben mix and gentamycin sulphate significantly increased, while that of positive reactions to clioquinol, mercuric chloride and turpentine peroxide significantly decreased in either males or females, sometimes leading to significant changes in the total group.

In a 71-year-old male Caucasian patient with persistent eczema on light-exposed skin, photocontact allergy was demonstrated to the UV filter substances 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (UVB), octyl methoxycinnamate (UVB), benzophenone-3 (UVA) and butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane (UVA) present in sunscreen products used by the patient over several years. A significantly reduced UVB sensitivity of 25 mJ/cm² in this patient (normal minimal erythema dose in our laboratory = 70–130 mJ/cm²) was considered an early indication of a persistent light reaction. Topical anti-inflammatory treatment over 2 weeks together with consequent application of a sunscreen containing Mexoryl^® SX/titanium dioxide led to complete remission.Taking into account the widespread use of the above UV filter substances not only in sun protection products, but also in cosmetics such as antiaging lotions and day care products, the possible risk of allergy to these chemicals has to be taken seriously. The substitution of known photocontact sensitizers in UV filters by photostable compounds and detailed product information are the basis of preventive strategies.

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Thirty-seven men (36 homosexual or bisexual and one heterosexual) with epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma and underlying HIV infection were followed up over a period of up to 32 months. Fourteen patients (38%) died, with a median survival time of 7.2 months after the diagnosis of AIDS. Seventeen patients (46%) presented with one or more opportunistic infections, mostly Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Eighteen patients (49%) had lymphadenopathy syndrome according to the definition of the CDC. Using the Laubenstein-classification of Kaposi's sarcoma, all patients either remained stable or deteriorated, improvement was never observed. Absolute T4 lymphocyte counts and the T4/T8 ratio were not related to the disease stage. With the onset of B symptoms (systemic symptoms), however, the absolute T4 numbers and the T4/T8 ratio markedly decreased. Delayed type hypersensitivity also showed no relationship to the clinical stages of Kaposi's sarcoma. Thus, the clinical progression of Kaposi's sarcoma lesions seems to be largely independent of the immunological parameters investigated. However, the onset of B symptoms was observed to be related to changes in immune status.