Occupational contact dermatitis caused by barrier cream containing Dexpanthenol and overview of the current Dexpanthenol-data from the IVDK-database [Berufsbedingtes kontaktekzem nach anwendung einer dexpanthenol-haltigen salbe und überblick über die IVDK-daten zu Dexpanthenol]

Abstract

Contact allergy to Dexpanthenol is rare, nevertheless it can be observed more frequently in some patient subgroups (e.g. subjects with eczema of the lower leg). Between 1992 and 1999, only 163 out of 13216 patients tested within the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK), a multicentre project of Departments of Dermatology, had a positive reaction to Dexpanthenol. Data collected by the IVDK demonstrate that an occupational background of Dexpanthenol contact allergy is apparently very uncommon, actually, no case of Dexpanthenol sensitisation caused by occupational exposure has been identified so far. In this paper we report the first case of allergic contact dermatitis to Dexpanthenol attributable to workplace exposure to a Dexpanthenol containing barrier cream in a junior nurse.