Fingertip dermatitis in an ophthalmologist caused by proparacaine.

PURPOSE: To report the late diagnosis of allergic response to proparacaine hydrochloride in an ophthalmologist.

METHOD: 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.