Allergy.  1994 Jun;14(2):235-239.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis due to EDTA and Benzalkonium Chloride in Eyedrops

• Eun HC
• Chun HS

Abstract

Both EDTA and benzalkonium chloride, commonly used preservatives in ophthalmic preparations, are known to be rare sensitizers. A 61-year-old man presented with edema and erythema of the right eyelid with severe itching. He had been using 3 kinds of eyedrops after taking operations for traumatic retinal detachment of the right eye and dermatitis developed 2 weeks later. Patch tests with the European standard series, his own eyedrop and their individual components gave positive reactions to nickel sulfate, EDTA, and benzalkonium chloride. All of the eyedrops were prohibited and he was treated with oral prednisolone with complete clearing of the eruption.

MeSH Terms

Benzalkonium Compounds*
Dermatitis
Dermatitis, Allergic Contact*
Edema
Edetic Acid*
Erythema
Eyelids
Humans
Middle Aged
Nickel
Ophthalmic Solutions*
Patch Tests
Prednisolone
Pruritus
Retinal Detachment
Benzalkonium Compounds
Edetic Acid
Nickel
Ophthalmic Solutions
Prednisolone