Allergic contact dermatitis by ophthalmological medications in Brazil: experience of a dermatology department

Abstract

Topical treatments in ophthalmologic therapy are significant for the development of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in the periorbital region. Preservatives, antibiotics, glucocorticoids, and beta-blocker eye drops are defined as drugs with the highest sensitizing potential. The unavailability of patch test batteries containing substances of ophthalmological use makes it difficult for this diagnosis. In the present report, we describe six patients who developed ACD induced by different agents presenting in eye drops, confirmed with the cutaneous patch tests. The ACD diagnosis due to ophthalmic medications can be challenging, since many different agents can cause it, and the sensitivity of these cutaneous tests is low. Thus, early diagnosis is essential to avoid the complications of ACD on the skin and ocular disorders related to chronic periorbital eczema.