Allergic contact dermatitis from benzocaine ointment during treatment of herpes zoster

Bioadhesive Films Containing Benzocaine: Correlation Between In Vitro Permeation and In Vivo Local Anesthetic Effect

“…The most commonly used topical LAs are benzocaine, lidocaine, prilocaine and/or their associations (2)(3)(4). Despite the reported cases of methemoglobinemia and allergic contact dermatitis (5,6), benzocaine, an estertype LA, is used in a wide variety of products such as gels (for toothache), solutions (for otitis), suppositories (for the relief of haemorrhoidal symptoms), creams, ointments and sprays (for skin application). The products destined to be applied on the skin are used in a variety of dermatological procedures and show important clinical results (7).…”

Contact Allergy to Topical Medicaments, Part 2: Steroids, Immunomodulators, and Anesthetics, Oh My!

“…32 Allergic contact dermatitis has been reported in patients who used topical benzocaine to treat localized pain disorders, including herpes zoster and dental pain. 33,34 Benzocaine may be used in the anogenital region in the form of antihemorrhoidal creams and in condoms and is a considerably more common allergen in those with anogenital dermatitis compared to those without. [35][36][37][38] Although cross-reactions within the same anesthetic group are common, clinicians also should be aware of the potential for concomitant sensitivity between unrelated local anesthetics.…”

Occupational relevance of positive standard patch-test results in employed persons with an initial report of an occupational skin disease

“…Any topical liquid, spray, cream, or ointment that has the term 'anesthetic', 'medicated', or '-caine' in its label should be suspected of possibly containing benzocaine [104]. A detailed list with preparations which may contain benzocaine can be looked up in Rietschel and Fowler [101].…”