title: Contact dermatitis to topical acne drugs: a review of the literature.
abstract: Acne vulgaris is a chronic dermatological disorder that affects the majority of teenagers in the Western world. Topical therapy is widely used to treat mild-moderate acne and is known as well-tolerated thanks to its low systemic toxicity, although associated to skin adverse effects. Acne seems to be associated also to an intrinsic alteration of the epidermal barrier, regarding both the upper and the follicular stratum corneum that promotes the onset of such local side effects. The commonest one is irritant contact dermatitis, an event of frequent observation occurring with erythema, burning, dryness, scaling, and itching, usually characterized by low severity and limited duration. Among topical acne drugs, retinoids are the most irritating ones. Another side effect is allergic contact dermatitis: it is rare and mainly associated to benzoyl peroxide.
authors: Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Dermatological Clinic, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
authors: Caterina
authors: C
authors: Foti
authors: Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Dermatological Clinic, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
authors: Paolo
authors: P
authors: Romita
authors: Department of Medical Science, Unit of Dermatology and Infectious Diseases, University of Ferrara, Via Savonarola 9, Ferrara, Italy.
authors: Alessandro
authors: A
authors: Borghi
authors: Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Dermatological Clinic, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
authors: Gianni
authors: G
authors: Angelini
authors: Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Dermatological Clinic, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
authors: Domenico
authors: D
authors: Bonamonte
authors: Department of Medical Science, Unit of Dermatology and Infectious Diseases, University of Ferrara, Via Savonarola 9, Ferrara, Italy.
authors: Monica
authors: M
authors: Corazza
mesh_terms: D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy; D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000293:Adolescent; D001585:Benzoyl Peroxide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000209:etiology*; D017453:Dermatitis, Irritant / Q000209:etiology*; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D012176:Retinoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D012176:Retinoids; D001585:Benzoyl Peroxide
keywords: acne; allergic contact dermatitis; irritant contact dermatitis