Microsoft Word - DRM253BF

Dr. Ulrich Schmid, 17, rue de l’Hôtel de Ville, CH-1800 Vevey (Suisse) We read with great interest the paper on the risk of sensitization upon topical application of fumaric acid derivatives by de Haan et al. [1]. Although in our wide personal experience oral dimefhylfumarates have proven effective in psoriasis in 70% of the cases, it cannot be emphasized enough that topical application should be rigorously avoided. In a histopathological study [2] on 8 patients we were furthermore unable to detect any differences between areas treated by emollients and those treated by topical fumaric acid. We therefore also recommend to avoid the use of topical fumaric acid. References de Haan P, von Blomberg BME, de Groot J, Niboer C, Bruynzeel DP: The risk of sensibilization and contact urticaria upon topical application of fumaric acid derivates. Dermatology 1994;188:126-130. Skaria A, Schmid U: Topische Behandlung mit Fumarsalbe 3%; eine klinisch-histopathologische Studie. Z Hautkr 1993;68:321-322.