Genital Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Abstract

Genital allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is an uncommon disorder, yet it severely impairs the quality of life for both men and women. Because of cultural taboos, many patients self-treat and delay proper diagnosis before presenting to a provider. Diagnosis is further confounded by irritant contact dermatitis and other genital dermatoses, which can predispose to skin barrier dysfunction and allergen penetration. Genital ACD can present acutely with erythematous erosions and pruritus or chronically with lichenification. Patch testing helps determine the diagnosis and provide relief for the patient. Topical medications, including local anesthetics and corticosteroids, are the most common genital allergens. Other typical allergens include fragrances, preservatives, adhesives, dyes, and rubber products. Less commonly considered allergens include herbs, spices, and topical vehicle components. Here, we review the most common allergens for both men and women, discuss important patch-testing panels, and recommend safe products for patients with genital ACD.

Real‐world prevalence and burden of genital eczema in atopic dermatitis: A multicenter questionnaire‐based study

“…19 Moreover, as the higher frequency of iatrogenic contact dermatitis is observed in the genitalia, 23 clinicians and patients should always be careful when using topical preparations containing anesthetics, antibiotics, corticosteroids, fragrances, and preservatives, which are strongly associated with genital sensitization. 24,25 In this study, we found a relatively high prevalence of genital eczema in patients with AD. However, besides genital eczema, infections and diverse chronic inflammatory skin diseases must be considered as differential diagnoses.…”

Contact Dermatitis of the Vulva

“…Many studies found a significant number of patients with genital ACD to be allergic to fragrance mix I or balsam of Peru [11,14,17,[22][23][24].…”

Dermatite de contato à metilisotiazolinona – estamos atentos a essa epidemia?

“…Dermatite axilar é relatada por MI presente em desodorantes, na qual as pregas cutâneas dessa região facilitam a penetração e sensibilização, de modo similar ao que ocorre na região anogenital 1 . Eczema perianal causado pela exposição à MCI/MI e MI em lenços umedecidos é bem reportada 16 . Uma das primeiras recomendações feita por generalistas em casos de prurido anal é iniciar o uso de lenços umedecidos para melhorar a higiene.…”