Contact dermatitis caused by drugs

Any topical drug is capable of causing allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). Patterns of drug usage vary with geography. Neomycin, benzocaine, Merthiolate, and various preservatives and components of topical formulations are the most common sensitizers in the United States. Understanding patterns of cross-sensitivity, possible photoallergy, and systemic contact dermatitis is important in diagnosing drug-caused ACD. Using simple ointment bases and avoiding commonly used sensitizing medicaments in ACD-prone patients, such as people with stasis dermatitis, greatly decrease ACD caused by drugs.