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[Contact allergy to mephenesin]
1Universitäts-Hautklinik Heidelberg.
Summary
Mephenesin in Midysalb ointment can cause allergic contact dermatitis that mimics erythema multiforme. Patch testing confirmed significant mephenesin sensitization, highlighting it as a notable allergen.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Allergology
- Contact Dermatitis
Background:
- Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) can present with diverse clinical manifestations.
- Erythema multiforme (EM)-like presentations of ACD are uncommon but recognized.
- Identifying specific allergens is crucial for managing ACD.
Observation:
- A case of ACD with an EM-like rash was observed.
- The patient used Midysalb ointment, containing mephenesine, prior to symptom onset.
- Clinical presentation mimicked erythema multiforme.
Findings:
- Patch testing revealed marked sensitization to mephenesin.
- Positive reactions to mephenesin were observed at dilutions as low as 0.1%.
- Ethylene glycol monosalicylic acid ester showed a weak reaction, unlikely to be the primary allergen.
Implications:
- Mephenesin should be considered a potential allergen causing EM-like ACD.
- This case adds to the literature on mephenesin as a contact allergen.
- Clinicians should consider mephenesin in the differential diagnosis of EM-like dermatoses.