Vesicular contact dermatitis following sulfacetamide eye drop instillation raising the specter of vesiculobullous mucocutaneous syndrome – Case presentation

Abstract

Allergic reactions to ocular drops are a well-known side effect and usually present as eczematous dermatitis localized to periocular skin. However, rarely, the reactions can be severe and present with systemic involvement leading to vision or even life-threatening consequences. We report a case of vesicular allergic contact dermatitis following instillation of an over-the-counter sulfacetamide eye drop in right eye with involvement of oral mucosa, raising a threat of mucocutaneous vesiculobullous disorders. Prompt discontinuation of ocular drops followed by treatment with systemic and topical steroids, topical lubrication, and fornix glass rod sweeping prevented vision- and life-threatening sequalae.