Flexural allergic contact dermatitis to benzalkonium chloride in antiseptic bath oil.
Benzalkonium chloride (BAK) is an acknowledged irritant but has also been identified as a cause of allergic contact dermatitis. The antiseptic bath emollient Oilatum Plus (Stiefel, High Wycombe, U.K.) contains a relatively high concentration of 6% BAK. We describe six patients who presented with flexural eczema, particularly involving the anogenital area, who had a history of using Oilatum Plus. Patch testing showed all six to have a type 4 allergy to BAK as well as other allergens. Avoidance of Oilatum Plus led to a resolution of the flexural eczema in each case.
Hann
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S
Department of Occupational Dermatology, Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, U.K. samantha999hann@hotmail.com
Hughes
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TM
Stone
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NM
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001494:Baths / Q000009:adverse effects; D001548:Benzalkonium Compounds / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D003875:Drug Eruptions / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D004643:Emollients / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical / Q000009:adverse effects
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D001548:Benzalkonium Compounds; D004643:Emollients; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical