Fingertip dermatitis in an ophthalmologist caused by proparacaine.
OBJECTIVE
To report the late diagnosis of allergic response to proparacaine hydrochloride in an ophthalmologist.


METHODS
Case report. In a 49-year-old practicing ophthalmologist, the history, clinical findings of fingertip dermatitis, skin pathology, and skin patch testing are described.


RESULTS
Proparacaine, as the initiating agent, took almost 3 years to identify because of the unusual pattern of allergy. We explored numerous treatment options before identifying and removing the offending agent.


CONCLUSIONS
Ophthalmologists may be exposed to proparacaine on a daily basis. This unique report heightens the awareness of this rare work-related complication.
Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Florida 32224, USA.
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Liesegang
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Perniciaro
D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D005385:Fingers; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009885:Ophthalmology; D010328:Patch Tests; D011430:Propoxycaine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; C005717:proxymetacaine; D011430:Propoxycaine