- CDC News
- Adult Immunization
- Hepatology
- Rare Disorders
- Pediatric Immunization
- Weight Management
- Screening
- Psychiatry
- Allergy
- Women's Health
- Cardiology
- Pediatrics
- Kidney Disease
- Dermatology
- Endocrinology
- Pain Management
- Gastroenterology
- Geriatrics
- Infectious Disease
- Orthopedics
- Obesity Medicine
- Rheumatology
- Technology
- Oncology
- Nephrology
- Neurology
- Pulmonology
Acute Contact Dermatitis
This is a prototypical case of acute contact dermatitis to benzoyl peroxide that the patient had been applying for her mild to moderate papulo-pustular acne. Twice-daily application of hydrocortisone 2.5% cream led to prompt resolution of the rash.
A 17-year-old girl presented with an “itchy rash” on the cheeks.
Key point: Circumscribed areas of swelling, erythema, oozing, and crusting were seen on both cheeks. The patient, concerned about mild to moderate papulo-pustular acne, began applying an over-the-counter 5% benzoyl peroxide preparation without her parents’ knowledge.
Treatment: Twice-daily application of hydrocortisone 2.5% cream led to prompt resolution of this prototypical case of acute contact dermatitis. The patient was warned to never again use any acne product containing benzoyl peroxide.
Note: Initially, the patient denied applying any topical agents to the face. She admitted to using a medication only when questioned without a parent present in the room.
