Allergic contact dermatitis caused by dexpanthenol—Probably a frequent allergen

• DOI: 10.1111/cod.13054
• Publication Date: 2018-07-16T08:04:15Z
• Authors: Rosa A. Fernandes; Luís Santiago; Miguel Gouveia; Margarida Gonçalo
• Keywords: Patch test

Background Panthenol (synonym: dexpanthenol), the alcohol analogue of panthothenic acid, is frequently included in moisturizers, wound‐healing agents, and other cosmetics, has been shown to be responsible for allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). Objectives To evaluate frequency ACD caused by dexpanthenol, characterize reactive patients. Methods We retrospectively reviewed files patients patch tested between 2009 2017 Department Dermatology Coimbra's University Hospital describe who reacted dexpanthenol 5% pet., initially a cosmetic/vehicle series last 3 years consecutive Results Among 2171 patients, 26 (1.2%) had positive test reactions mostly chronic eczema (88.5%, n = 23), either widespread (5), or localized hands face (4), legs (7). Relevance could traced 20 (76.9%), related use Bepanthene cream (15), moisturizers (3), topical medications (1), shampoo (1). Twenty‐five (96.2%) several allergens, ingredients cosmetic pharmaceutical products. Conclusions Although considered rare, it may overlooked. As we found relatively high relevant cases, agreement with previous study, inclusion series, at least drug encouraged.