Chronic lymphoedema caused by recurrent infections in a patient with allergic hand eczema

Allergic contact dermatitis is very common and may be complicated by secondary infections. Chronic lymphoedema is a potentially debilitating condition, which may occur due to secondary infections or the dermatitis itself. The problem of chronic lymphoedema following allergic contact dermatitis has been infrequently reported. We report a case of a 47-year-old woman with severe allergic contact dermatitis complicated by chronic, intractable lymphoedema of the hands and forearms. This case report reminds us that allergic hand dermatitis may be complicated by a chronic and debilitating state of lymphoedema. Also, it underlines the importance of fast and adequate treatment of both the dermatitis and the secondary infections.