Allergic contact dermatitis to topical drugs: a descriptive analysis

BACKGROUND: Allergic Contact Dermatitis is a common type of dermatitis, but its multiple etiologies hinder its management. OBJECTIVE: the objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency of sensitization to topical drugs in a university center, to study the main characteristics of the affected population, and to identify the allergens related with the dermatitis. METHODS: a retrospective and descriptive study with patients submitted to patch tests. The study was conducted with subjects whose patch test to topical drugs was positive. RESULTS: 329 patients were submitted to patch tests and 42 (13%) had positive and relevant patch tests to topical drugs. Among these patients, 36 (85.7%) had positive patch tests to the principal component and 28 (66.7%) to the other components. Some patients had more than one sensitization. Neomycin was the most important allergen. CONCLUSIONS: Among the studied patients, sensitization to topical agents happened in 13% of the cases, with slight preference for females and Caucasians. There was elevated sensitization to neomycin, a popular agent among patients and medical doctors.