Bufexamac-containing
ointments and creams are widely used by many patients with
eczematous disorders as an alternative to topical
corticosteroids. Recent studies provide evidence of a notable prevalence of contact sensitization in patch test populations. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of use of this topically-applied
drug by
eczema patients in general, and to evaluate its potential to cause allergic contact reactions. 500 routinely patch tested patients (f:m = 377:123) were tested with
bufexamac 5% and
Parfenac ointment (the only commercial product available in Austria) in addition to the standard and other series of the German
Contact Dermatitis Group. The packaging of the commercial product was shown to the entire study population, to decide whether or not they had ever used this product. In addition, their general practitioner was contacted to verify the anamnestic data. A total of 30 patients agreed that they had definitely used
bufexamac, 5 others having probably applied it. The indication for and the
duration of treatment were noted. Positive and relevant patch test reactions to
bufexamac, as well as the
bufexamac-containing
ointment, were seen in 20 out of these 35 patients (57%), and sensitization occurred even after short-term application. Our study demonstrates that
bufexamac has to be assumed to be a topical
drug with a very high sensitization rate in an unselected patch test population (4% of 500 patients), and should therefore be added to the standard series.