Contact dermatitis from topical antiviral drugs

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Pharmacology
• Allergology

Background:

• Topical antiviral drugs are widely used for various infections.
• Adverse skin reactions, including contact dermatitis, can occur with these treatments.
• Understanding the spectrum of these reactions is crucial for patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review the literature on contact dermatitis caused by topical antiviral drugs.
• To identify all known topical antiviral agents associated with allergic contact dermatitis.
• To document the role of diagnostic patch testing and observed cross-sensitization patterns.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search for case reports and studies on topical antiviral drug-induced contact dermatitis.
• Identification and compilation of all implicated antiviral agents.
• Review of documented patch testing results and cross-reactivity data.

Main Results:

• Fifteen topical antiviral agents were identified as potential causes of contact dermatitis.
• Specific agents include acyclovir, imiquimod, podophyllin, cidofovir, and ganciclovir, among others.
• Patch testing confirmed allergic reactions in susceptible individuals, with evidence of cross-sensitization to related drugs.

Conclusions:

• Topical antiviral medications represent a significant, though often overlooked, cause of allergic contact dermatitis.
• Awareness of these potential reactions and the possibility of cross-sensitization is essential for clinicians.
• Further investigation into specific drug-allergen interactions may improve diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.