Allergic contact cheilitis from a lipstick misdiagnosed as herpes labialis: Subsequent worsening due to Zovirax contact allergy.
A 29-year-old Turkish woman with allergic contact cheilitis from a lipstick was misdiagnosed as herpes labialis and subsequently worsened with the application of Zovirax cream. Patch tests were positive to Zovirax cream, propylene glycol, the patient's favourite lipstick and propyl gallate. No reaction was seen with Zovirax ophthalmic ointment and Zovirax tablet. The propylene glycol component of the Zovirax cream and the propyl gallate component of the lipstick were regarded as the responsible contact sensitizers. The differential diagnosis was challenging due to concomitant contact sensitization with these agents.
Department of Dermatology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, 34093 Capa, Istanbul, Turkey. profeo@istanbul.edu.tr
Esen
E
Ozkaya
Zeynep
Z
Topkarci
Güzin
G
Ozarmağan
D000212:Acyclovir / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000328:Adult; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002613:Cheilitis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003358:Cosmetics / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D005260:Female; D006560:Herpes Labialis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D003358:Cosmetics; D000212:Acyclovir