Iatrogenic allergic contact dermatitis in the (peri)anal and genital area

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) from topical medication often occurs in occluded areas, for example, with wound treatment, but also in certain body locations, such as the anogenital area.

To investigate the demographics and specific lesion location of patients with ACD from topical drugs applied onto the (peri)anal/genital area, and to identify the respective causal topical pharmaceutical products and ingredients involved.

From January 2000 to December 10, 2018, 532 patients were tested with the baseline series, sometimes with additional series, and the topical medication used along with the ingredients. The relevant data were extracted from our electronic databases developed in-house.

Forty-four patients (9%) out of 473 patients suffering from lesions in the (peri)anal/genital area had positive patch test results to topical drug preparations and/or their ingredients, sometimes in association with cosmetics for intimate hygiene. The most frequent sensitizing active principles were local anaesthetics and corticosteroids, while wool alcohols and to a minor extent benzoic acid were the most frequent culprits among the vehicle components and preservative agents, respectively.

The local conditions (eg, occlusion, sweating, moist) in the anogenital area may favour skin sensitization to topical medication used to treat various skin diseases.