Contact allergy to clotrimazole.

Abstract

Contact allergy to clotrimazoleClotrimazole (Canesten; diphenyl-2-chlorophenyl-1-imidazolylmethane) is an effective broad-spectrum antifungal agent that has been used in Great Britain since 1973.In clinical trials only a few patients have been irritated by clotrimazole and no cases of contact allergy have been reported.I describe a patient who developed contact allergic dermatitis to clotrimazole. Case historyA 48-year-old policeman had had perineal and perianal pruritus for many years.In September 1977 he was prescribed Canesten cream, which he used intermittently for the next few months.In December, after applying Canesten cream, he noticed an increase in the pruritus accompanied by an erythematous, oozing rash over his scrotum, upper thighs, and natal cleft.He discontinued the Canesten, and Tri-Adcortyl cream was prescribed.His rash gradually improved.Patch tests were applied for 48 hours using the Finn Chamber method and inspected at 48 and 96 hours.At both times reactions were seen to Canesten cream, 1 % clotrimazole in ethyl methyl ketone, and 1 % ethylene diamine in yellow soft paraffin.Results were negative with Canesten cream base and Tri-Adcortyl cream.