Histiocytic Reaction Associated with Topical Aluminum Chloride (Drysol Reaction)

Abstract

In the past few years, dermatologists have begun to use aluminum chloride (Drysol) as a hemostatic agent for minor surgical procedures. An unusual histiocytic reaction was noted in biopsies of skin previously treated with aluminum chloride. This reaction consisted of a proliferation of histiocytic cells that contained prominent basophilic cytoplasmic granules. To determine the cause of this reaction and the nature of the basophilic granular material within the histiocytic cells. Four cases are presented in which re-excised tissue previously treated with aluminum chloride were examined with special histochemistry staining and roentgen diffraction studies. The granules of these histiocytes stained positively with the aluminon stain, a stain specific for aluminum, although no aluminum was found using the less sensitive roentgen diffraction studies. These studies support the concept that aluminum chloride can cause a proliferative histiocytic reaction when used as a topical cauterizing agent.