GP Quiz 19 – Case 2
What is the patient reacting to?
Acute dermatitis provoked by face wash
Describe the clinical features.
People often blame cosmetics for facial rashes; they contain a variety of preservatives, fragrances, vehicles and peeling agents that may cause immediate stinging or dermatitis on first or repeated use. The teenager with patchy erythema and dryness on her cheek washed her face on a single occasion with an acne cleanser containing salicylic acid.
This quiz was also published by New Zealand Doctor in September 2007.