Praktické lekárnictvo 3/2022

Contact allergy to topical medicaments

The topical application of pharmaceutical products may induce skin adverse reactions, including allergic contact dermatitis. Allergic contact dermatitis from topical drugs is increased in chronic dermatoses, such as stasis dermatitis, leg ulcers, otitis externa, perianal conditions, and ophthalmological disorders. Allergic contact dermatitis can develop from the active drug or vehicle components. Topical antibiotics, antiseptics, corticosteroids, anesthetics, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the most frequent culprits. Patch testing can help identify specific allergens. This article provides an overview of allergic contact dermatitis to topical drugs, discussing their prevalence of sensitization, predisposing factors and cross reactions.

Keywords: allergic contact dermatitis, prevalence of sensitization, topical drugs, corticosteroids, anesthetics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs