Allergic contact dermatitis caused by white petrolatum on damaged skin

Dermatitis. 2006 Dec;17(4):201-3. doi: 10.2310/6620.2006.06010.

Abstract

Petrolatum rarely causes hypersensitivity reactions. We report a case of a 51-year-old white man with allergic contact dermatitis due to white petrolatum on damaged skin. The patient, who presented with a history of hand dermatitis and intolerance to ointments for years, was patch-tested with white petrolatum on scratched skin. Patch tests with the European Standard series, preservatives, steroids, vehicles, and emulsifiers were also performed. The patch-test reaction to white petrolatum on scratched skin was positive at 48 and 96 hours. All other patch-test results were negative.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / etiology*
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / pathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Ointment Bases / adverse effects*
  • Petrolatum / adverse effects*
  • Skin / injuries*

Substances

  • Ointment Bases
  • Petrolatum