INTRODUCTION: Cosmetic intolerance syndrome is a condition attributed to multiple exogenous and endogenous factors.m Although considered a wastebasket diagnosis by some, it has proven to be a highly challenging, if not frustrating, condition for both the dermatologist and the patient. It is believed to be quite common, but underreported.
CASE SUMMARY: A 22-year-old Filipino woman presented with a 2-year history of recurrent facial redness and itching. Flare-ups of social symptoms and signs are associated with the application of cosmetics. Exacerbations have also been perceived to occur with the intake of bread, milk chocolate, cheese and shrimp, as well as handling of coins. The patient also has comedonal acne for which she has been using various topical anti-acne medications, such as benzoyl peroxide and tretinoin. She has a history of seborrheic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) due to jewelry, and chronic hand dermatitis. She has a personal and family history of atopy. Diagnostic patch test was performed using the 70-allergen series. Reading after 48 hours revealed strong reactions to fragrance mix, formaldehyde, nickel sulfate, benzoyl peroxide, and thimerosal. Given the recurrent nature of facial tightness, discomfort, erythema and pruritus, noted to increase in severity with application of various cosmetics, the documentation of the above allergies, and the concomitant presence of atopy, acne vulgaris, and seborrheic dermatitis, the diagnosis of cosmetic intolerance syndrome is made.
CONCLUSION:Increasing awareness and recognition of cosmetic intolerance syndrome is important. Controlling concurrent endogenous conditions, together with correct identification of exogenous triggers, as well as patient education on avoidance and substitution of culprit substances, are the cornerstones to successful management of this challenging condition.

Human ; Female ; Young Adult ; Acne Vulgaris ; Allergens ; Cosmetics ; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact ; Dermatitis, Seborrheic ; Erythema ; Patch Tests ; Pruritus ; Thimerosal ; Tretinoin

BACKGROUND: To date, no multicenter studies have been conducted on the prevalence and clinical profile of AD in the Philippines. Since AD is one of the top 10 skin diseases seen in the outpatients departments of all the Philippine Dermatologic Society (PDS)- accredited institutions, conducting a multicenter study provides important epidemiological information about this disease and serve as a valuable reference for future studies.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and clinical profile of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) seen at the outpatient departments (OPD) of Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) - accredited training institutions from 2007 to 2011.

METHODS: Records of patients with a diagnosis of AD seen from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2011 were retrieved and clinical data were collected.

RESULTS: There were 744,673 dermatological consults in the 10 PDS-accredited outpatient clinics from 2007-2011. A total of 4,275 records of atopic dermatitis were reviewed for this study. The prevalence of atopic dermatitis was determined to be 0.57%. Most institutions reported a prevalence rate of less than 1% except for St. Luke's Medical Center (3.36%), and Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (7.07%). More than half of the patients (65.1%) were children between 1 to 12 years old. Twenty-four percent (24%) were infants less than one year. The average age was seven years old while the youngest was one month and the oldest was 94 years old. There were more females (56.1%) than males (42.75%). Bronchial asthma was the most prevalent co-morbid medical condition. Majority of AD patients seen in institutions were newly diagnosed. Those with previous consultations were mostly seen by dermatologists and pediatricians. Moisturizers and topical corticosteroids were the most commonly used topical preparation while antihistamines followed by oral antibiotics were the commonly prescribed oral medications. Follow-up rate was low.

CONCLUSION: The prevalence of atopic dermatitis among the 10 PDS-accredited institutions is low except for SLMC and RITM. The clinical profile of patients is consistent with published literature. However, this study revealed the patient follow-up is low. This practice needs to be addressed since optimal management of this chronic disease requires close and regular follow-up to prevent complications and irrational drug use.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Multicenter Study ; Prevalence ; Patients ; Dermatology