Abstract
Natural vitamin E is suggested to have an antioxidant function. However, the synthetic form of vitamin E, DL-tocopherol, which has been widely used in topical ointments, may cause allergic contact dermatitis. Here, we report a case of allergic contact dermatitis with erythema multiforme-like eruption caused by a topical ointment. Patch testing indicated a positive allergic reaction to an anti-inflammatory ointment the patient had been using and its ingredient, DL-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E). In addition, a positive reaction to glycyrrhetinic acid was observed. Both vitamin E and glycyrrhetinic acid are useful ingredients of topical applications. However, the possibility that both can cause contact dermatitis, albeit rarely, should be considered.
Highlights
A 39-years-old woman without any notable medical history had been using a skin lotion on her face, neck and arms for about 7 months without any problems
The synthetic form of vitamin E, DL-tocopherol, which has been widely used in topical ointments, may cause allergic contact dermatitis
We report a case of allergic contact dermatitis with erythema multiforme-like eruption caused by a topical ointment
Summary
A 39-years-old woman without any notable medical history had been using a skin lotion on her face, neck and arms for about 7 months without any problems. The synthetic form of vitamin E, DL-tocopherol, which has been widely used in topical ointments, may cause allergic contact dermatitis. We report a case of allergic contact dermatitis with erythema multiforme-like eruption caused by a topical ointment. Patch testing indicated a positive allergic reaction to an anti-inflammatory ointment the patient had been using and its ingredient, DLalpha-tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E).
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