[Allergic contact dermatitis due to Furacin®]

Allergic sensitization to topical antimicrobial treatments is a well-known problem. Furacin® is one of the most widely used in our environment. It contains 0.2% nitrofurazone and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a vehicle.

57-year-old male with no history of interest. He presented skin rash, blisters, and serous exudate 2-3 days after starting treatment with Furacin® (applied to an infected skin wound). Epicutaneous tests were performed with a true test battery, nitrofurantoin 1% in petrolatum, PEG15000 and 4000 1% in petrolatum, pure PEG 400, PEG monomethyl ether 350 1% in water. Positive result at 96 hours for nitrofurantoin.

Nitrofurazone is widely used as a topical antibiotic because of its bactericidal spectrum. It (including its excipients) should be considered in case of adverse reactions after application.