Occupational carprofen photoallergic contact dermatitis

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Occupational Health
• Toxicology

Background:

• Carprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, was withdrawn for human use in the 1980s due to adverse effects.
• It is widely prescribed for veterinary use since the 1990s.
• Previous reports of carprofen-induced photoallergic contact dermatitis (PACD) are limited.

Observation:

• Two pharmaceutical factory workers presented with facial dermatitis.
• Photopatch testing was conducted on these workers and healthy controls.
• Eight additional factory employees with skin issues were subsequently tested.

Findings:

• Both pharmaceutical workers were diagnosed with carprofen-induced PACD.
• One healthy control developed photoallergy to carprofen post-testing.
• Three of eight referred factory employees showed positive results for carprofen PACD.

Implications:

• Carprofen is identified as a potent photoallergen.
• Highlights the importance of photopatch testing for photoexposed dermatitis.
• Suggests considering non-standard agents like carprofen in differential diagnoses.