Aggravation of preexisting dermatosis with aloe vera.

A 65-year-old man presented with recurrent generalized itching since 1 year. Examination revealed lichenified skin over the face and extensors of both extremities. He gave a history of rubbing the pulp of Aloe vera leaves on to his lesions whenever his itching worsened. Clinically, we suspected allergic contact dermatitis, possibly aggravated with Aloe vera. He was patch tested with the plant series by CODFI, which included parthenium 0.5%, xanthium 0.5%, chrysanthemum 0.5%, control and pulp of Aloe vera, and the results were interpreted as recommended by ICDRG. He tested positive to Aloe vera on day 2 and day 3. One of the authors (CRS) tested negative to the pulp, thus ruling out irritant dermatitis.