Allergic contact dermatitis from topical medicaments

Abstract

Allergic contact dermatitis and, to a minor extent, photoallergic contact dermatitis are the most common reactions to topical medicaments. Allergic contact dermatitis from topical drugs is increased in chronic dermatosis, such as stasis dermatitis, leg ulcers, otitis externa, perianal conditions, vulval dermatosis, ophthalmological disorders and chronic hand and foot dermatitis. The main pharmacological agents involved are topical antibiotics and antiseptics, antivirals, antimycotics, corticosteroids, topical NSAIDs (often causing photoallergic reactions) and topical anesthetics.