[Contact photoallergic eczema caused by ketoprofen]

Since 1983, several cases of allergy and photoallergic contact dermatitis to ketoprofen gel have been reported in Italy and Spain. In France, this drug has been available for topic applications since 1989 and no cases of photoallergy have been reported.

We observed two cases of photoallergic contact dermatitis to ketoprofen (Profenid gel, Ketum gel). Imputability was suggested by clinical history and proven by patch-tests showing evidence of crossed photoallergy with fenofibrate in both cases. Photoallergic dermatitis to oxybenzone was associated in one case.

Ketoprofen is the predominant nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drug responsible for allergic and/or photoallergic contact dermatitis resulting from topic applications. Its prevalence is probably underestimated in France in light of the number of cases reported in certain Mediterranean countries. Cross reactive photoallergy to ketoprofen and fenofibrate can be explained by the common benzoly-ketone structure of these compounds. In case of skin reaction, the other drug should not be prescribed and benzophenone-containing cosmetics discouraged.