[Relapsing facial erysipelas caused by nickel allergy. Significance of allergy diagnostics in ENT practice].

This case report shows a typical complication of allergic contact dermatitis as it is often seen in hand and foot eczema: relapsing erysipelas. To our knowledge the occurrence of such a complication in the face has never been reported. In the case presented, relapsing facial erysipelas were treated four times in a period of 2 years symptomatically without having identified or eliminated the causing allergen. This clearly indicates how important it is to have a sound knowledge of allergology and its diagnostic procedures, especially in ENT-practice.