Granulomas of the Axillas Caused by Deodorants

Crystal deodorant-induced axillary granulomatous dermatitis

“…Alum crystal deodorants are marketed as a safer and more “natural” alternative to traditional deodorants/antiperspirants and have become increasingly popular. Unlike traditional antiperspirants, which contain aluminum chloride, aluminum chlorohydrate, or aluminum zirconium salts, crystal deodorants contain aluminum sulfate bound to potassium or ammonium and are rarely associated with adverse skin reactions 1–4 . As the large molecular size of these mineral salts impedes epidermal penetration, manufacturers of crystal deodorants market them as less irritating.…”

“…A literature search of deodorant‐induced axillary dermatitis revealed several case reports documenting associations between aluminum and zirconium mineral salts and axillary granulomatous reactions 1–3 . Clinically, deodorant‐associated granulomatous reactions typically manifest as red–brown papules that can be pruritic and are confined to areas of application 1–3 . Histopathologic examination demonstrates epithelioid granulomas throughout the dermis, and polariscopic exam may reveal foreign material 1–3 …”

Zirkonium und seine Verbindungen [MAK Value Documentation in German language, 1998]

“…Nach Anwendung des wasserlöslichen Natrium-Zirkoniumlactats als Deodorant wurden mehrfach knöt-chenförmige entzündliche Veränderungen an der Applikationsstelle beobachtet, die sich nur sehr langsam im Verlauf von Monaten zurückbildeten. Die histologische Untersuchung zeigte epitheloidzellige Granulome (Epstein 1967;Epstein et al 1963;Lever 1967;Rubin et al 1956;Shelley und Hurley 1958 (Brown et al 1963;Clayton und Clayton 1981;Cochran et al 1950) Nach akuter Vergiftung zeigte sich eine abnehmende Aktivität bis zum Tode, spezifische Zeichen fehlten (k. w. A.)…”

Mechanisms of Granulomatous Lung Disease from Inhaled Beryllium: The Role of Antigenicity in Granuloma Formation*1

“…In 1956, dermatologists observed that zirconium, an inorganic, soluble salt, produced a complex granuloma indicative of a hypersensitive reaction in only a small number of sensitized individuals (50). Injection of zirconium into animals produced a foreign-body-type reaction of metal-laden macrophages, while the lesions in sensitized humans were more complex, consisting of lymphocytes and epithelioid cells organized into discrete granulomas (20,21 ).…”