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Allergic Contact Dermatitis Syndrome Due to Tocopherol Acetate, in Addition to Glycyrrhetinic Acid

¹ Division of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
² Division of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
³ Division of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan

Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications·Volume 02 (2012)·Pages 38–40·Published 28 March 2012·DOI10.4236/jcdsa.2012.21009

Abstract

Natural vitamin E is suggested to have an antioxidant function. However, the synthetic form of vitamin E, DL-tocopherol, which has been widely used in topical ointments, may cause allergic contact dermatitis. Here, we report a case of allergic contact dermatitis with erythema multiforme-like eruption caused by a topical ointment. Patch testing indicated a positive allergic reaction to an anti-inflammatory ointment the patient had been using and its ingredient, DL-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E). In addition, a positive reaction to glycyrrhetinic acid was observed. Both vitamin E and glycyrrhetinic acid are useful ingredients of topical applications. However, the possibility that both can cause contact dermatitis, albeit rarely, should be considered.

KeywordsAllergic Contact DermatitisTocopheryl AcetateVitamin EEnoxolone18-Glycyrrhetinic Acid

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Allergic Contact Dermatitis Syndrome Due to Tocopherol Acetate, in Addition to Glycyrrhetinic Acid

Abstract

References (13)