Lymphocyte subsets in patients with compositae oleoresin dermatitis and increased UVA sensitivity during treatment with azathioprine

Summary Four patients with severe contact dermatitis resulting from compositae oleoresin were found to have increased sensitivity to ultraviolet light. All showed a clear reduction of Leu-3a-positive lymphocytes (T helper/inducer cells) and cells expressing the Ia phenotype in their blood. The numbers of T suppressor/cytotoxic (Leu 2a) lymphocytes, monocytes and B lymphocytes were within the normal range. Treatment with azathioprine (150 mg daily) improved the eczema. The number of Leu-3a-positive lymphocytes normalized during therapy, but the number of Ia-positive cells did not.