Allergic contact dermatitis from selected topical medicaments: A brief review

Abstract

Adverse cutaneous reactions, some of which are allergic in origin and of variable severity, occur from systemic administration of medicaments, and others result from contact sensitivity from their topical use. Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to topically applied medicaments, excipients or active ingredients, is encountered frequently in clinical practice and should be suspected in all at-risk individuals. Although about one-third of all cases of ACD are initiated or perpetuated by prescribed or non-prescribed topical preparations, the problem usually remains underappreciated. The prevalence of hypersensitivity to these allergens varies across regions and periods of time depending on the personal habits and health-seeking behavior of an individual, the interest of the clinician in the field of contact dermatitis, and the types of cases studied. Often promoted by social media influencers as a remedy for all dermatological problems or cosmetics, the use of several home remedies and other over-the-counter anti-aging and cosmetic products has increased exponentially in recent years. We, herein, briefly review some of the commonly used products potentially causing ACD.