[Allergic contact dermatitis to topical drugs: a descriptive analysis].

BACKGROUND

Allergic Contact Dermatitis is a common type of dermatitis, but its multiple etiologies hinder its management.

OBJECTIVE

the objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency of sensitization to topical drugs in a university center, to study the main characteristics of the affected population, and to identify the allergens related with the dermatitis.

METHODS

a retrospective and descriptive study with patients submitted to patch tests. The study was conducted with subjects whose patch test to topical drugs was positive.

RESULTS

329 patients were submitted to patch tests and 42 (13%) had positive and relevant patch tests to topical drugs. Among these patients, 36 (85.7%) had positive patch tests to the principal component and 28 (66.7%) to the other components. Some patients had more than one sensitization. Neomycin was the most important allergen.

CONCLUSIONS

Among the studied patients, sensitization to topical agents happened in 13% of the cases, with slight preference for females and Caucasians. There was elevated sensitization to neomycin, a popular agent among patients and medical doctors.