Allergic contact dermatitis caused by insect repellent wipes.

A 3-year-old atopic boy developed widespread itching eczematous dermatitis involving his trunk and limbs. The child’s mother stated that she had applied insect repellent wipes (VAPE derm herbal wipes®) on the days before the onset of dermatitis. Treatment with oral antihistamines and topical potent corticosteroids achieved resolution of the lesions within 10 days. The child was patch tested with the Italian (SIDAPA) baseline series, and an insect repellent series comprising hydroxycitronellal 5% pet., citronellol 2% pet., eucalyptus oil 2% pet., pyrethrum 2% pet., and diethyl toluamide (DEET) (CAS no. 134-62-3/26545-51-7) 1% pet. Patch tests were applied on the patient’s back for 2 days, and read on day (D) 2 and D3 according to ICDRG criteria. Positive reactions to methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI)/methylisothiazolinone (MI) (D2, +; D3, +) and to hydroxycitronellal 5% (D2, −; D3, +) were observed. The patch test performed with the patient’s own wipes (see above) tested ‘as is’ showed a positive (+) reaction at D3. The wipes, as declared on the packaging, containedDEETas theactive principle, citriodiol, ethanol, and ‘perfume’.