[Contact allergy to bufexamac].

Thirteen cases of contact allergy to bufexamac have been seen since 1976 at the Department of Dermatology of the University of Heidelberg. Most of the patients were women (69%). Nine patients suffered from chronic eczema and four had stasis dermatitis. Four patients had used bufexamac for less than 2 weeks. Based on the case histories, about half of the patients were suspected of having contact allergy to bufexamac. The clinical picture was consistent with that of allergic contact dermatitis; a generalized eruption was observed in two cases. Eight patients had additional sensitizations; three patients were allergic to benzyl alcohol, which is used as a preservative in the bufexamac cream available commercially. Contact allergy to bufexamac seems to be rare; however, it should be considered as a cause of sensitization in patients with chronic eczema, even after short-term application.