Potential Harms
•A review of ingredients and products that cause positive patch test results in individuals with venous ulcers show that between 46% and 67% of individuals have positive patch tests with a high incidence of hypersensitivity to lanolin and topical antibiotics. Also implicated are Balsam of Peru (one of the most common sensitizers), bacitracin, corticosteroid ointments, neomycin sulfate, chloramphenicol, nickel sulfate, silver nitrate, propylene glycol, certain hydrocolloid formulations, parabens (bepanthen), benzalkonium chloride, povidone iodine, colophony (used as an adhesive and as a stimulant in ointments), rubber-related allergens, ester gum resin, and fragrance mix.