[Tetracaine-induced systemic contact-type dermatitis]

We report the case of a 71-year-old-man with dermatitis in the groin area. Forty-eight hours previously, he had undergone transurethral resection for benign prostatic hyperplasia. During the prostatectomy, the probe was lubricated with a urological ointment containing the topical anesthetic, tetracaine. The patient had previously experienced severe pruritus and fissures in the perianal area after using antihemorrhoidal ointments. Biopsy and patch testing with the standard series and lubricant ointment showed positive reactions to this lubricant, called "urological lubricant" (UL) (+ + +) with caine mix (+ + +). The patient was diagnosed with systemic contact-type dermatitis due to caine mix. The dermatitis improved with topical steroids and oral antihistamine agents.