Allergic Contact Dermatitis and Autoeczematization to Proctosedyl® Cream and Proctomyxin® Cream

Proctosedyl® cream (Sanofi-Aventis, Paris, France) and Proctomyxin® cream (Novartis, Basel, Switzerland) are common medications used to treat hemorrhoids. Framycetin, hydrocortisone, and dibucaine (cinchocaine) are 3 active ingredients in these creams. These ingredients are common in over-the-counter (OTC) medications and are potential allergens [1].

We present 3 cases of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in males who used Proctosedyl® cream and Proctomyxin® cream to treat their hemorrhoids; 2 of these men experienced an autoeczematization.

A 72-year-old man presented to the emergency department with a very pruritic, tender, erythematous eczematous dermatitis that started in the perianal area and then became more widespread. A diagnosis of ACD in his perianal region likely due to Proctosedyl®, a cream to treat his hemorrhoids, was made. He had previously used Lamisil® cream (Novartis), Benadryl® cream (Johnson & Johnson, New Brunswick, NJ, USA), and 2 hydrocortisone preparations (Imacort® [Spirig, Egerkingen, Switzerland] and Cortoderm® [Pharmacare Ltd., Port Elizabeth, South Africa]).

He was subsequently patch tested with readings completed at 48 and 96 h. His results were strongly positive (3+) for gentamicin sulfate 20% in pet, kanamycin sulfate 20% in pet, framycetin sulfate 10% in pet, rosin 20% in pet, tixocortol-21-pivalate 1% in pet, and hydrocortisone 1% in pet. Specific results at 96 h (true allergens) are shown in Table 1 (medication is listed in Table 2). Our patient was advised about all his contact allergies and potential cross-reactions. He was prescribed Betaderm® 0.1% ointment (a safe group 3 [D1] steroid) for potential future reactions and Protopic cream® (Astella/Fujisawa, Tokyo, Japan) for facial eruptions.

A 27-year-old man presented with severe ACD in the perianal region followed by a widespread flare of his eczema (autoeczematization) to Proctomyxin® cream. He used Proctomyxin® cream, Proctozone® (Rising, Allendale, NJ, USA), Anusol HC® (Salix, Raleigh, NC, USA), Polysporin® Complete (Johnson & Johnson), and Proctofoam® cream (Meda, Somerset, NJ, USA) to treat his hemorrhoids (see Table 2 for ingredients). He was started on 50 mg of oral prednisone and weaned down over 3 weeks. He was also given topical betamethasone 0.1% ointment.

He was subsequently patch tested, and results were read at 48 and 120 h; the results are summarized in Table 1. He was strongly reactive (3+) to neomycin sulfate 20% in pet, gentamicin sulfate 20% in pet, kanamycin sulfate 10% in pet, framycetin sulfate 10% in pet, dibucaine HCl 5% in pet, lanolin alcohol (Amerchol L-101) 50% in pet, carba mix 3% in pet, Proctozone® cream, Anusol HC® cream, chlorhexidine digluconate 0.5% aq, and Proctomyxin® cream. He was educated regarding which safe skin products he could use (Lipikar® balm [F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland], Dove® for sensitive skin [Unilever, UK]). He was advised about all his contact allergies, their sources and cross-reactions.

A 44-year-old man presented to the emergency room with a history of a pruritic, spreading perianal eczematous dermatitis, which developed 2 days after commencing Proctosedyl® cream treatment for his hemorrhoids. He also started 1% hydrocortisone cream. He developed an autoeczematization reaction in his body folds (axilla, antecubital fossa, and ankles); this reaction persisted for a few weeks. His pruritus was controlled with Claritin® (Schering-Plough, Kenilworth, NJ, USA) and Reactine® (Johnson & Johnson). Past history revealed the use of Kenacomb® cream (GlaxoSmithKline, Brentford, London, UK) for an axillary rash 12 years before, which resulted in a similar clinical picture of ACD. He was given Atarax® (GlaxoSmithKline) (hydroxyzine) to treat his Kenacomb cream-induced ACD. His ACD worsened and became generalized.

Two rounds of patch testing were completed and results were read at 48 h and the 120-h mark. Results are summarized in the corresponding Table 1 and Figure 1. He was positive for all tested cross-reacting aminoglycosides (neomycin sulfate, gentamycin sulfate, kanamycin sulfate, and framycetin sulfate) as well as the co-reacting bacitracin. He was also strongly positive for dibucaine (chichocaine HCl 5% in pet), tixocortol-21-pivalate 1% in pet (screens for group A [now group I] hydrocortisone allergy), ethylenediamine dihydrochloride 1% in pet, thiuram mix 1% in pet (rubber), fragrance mix 8% in pet, and triamcinolone acetonide and its screener for group B (now group II) corticosteroid allergy budesonide 0.1% in pet. Kenacomb® contains ethylenediamine, triamcinolone acetonide 1% in pet, and neomycin, to all of which the patient had a very strong reaction, in addition to the whole Kenacomb® cream preparation. Ethylenediamine dihydrochloride, an ingredient used as a stabilizer in Kenacomb® cream, cross-reacts with hydroxyzine (Atarax® and Reactine®) [2]. This caused a systemic contact dermatitis reaction when the patient took hydroxyzine for his original ACD to Proctosedyl® cream. Proctosedyl® cream contains hydrocortisone acetate and dibucaine HCl. Again, the patient had a strong reaction to both ingredients plus the whole preparation.

In all 3 cases, the patients were tested in accordance with the North American Contact Dermatitis Group (NACDG) [1] protocol and the NACDG standard screening series using Finn Chambers (allergEAZE; SmartPractice, Phoenix, AZ, USA) and Scanpor tape (Norgesplaster Alpharma, Vennesla, Norway), as well as the other series, which can be seen in Table 1.

It is estimated that ACD affects 15–20% of the general population at some point [3]. ACD risk factors are divided into acquired and inherited categories. Acquired risk factors include stasis dermatitis, polysensitization, and irritant contact dermatitis. Inherited risk factors include genetic mutations (Table 3), young age (due to increased immune function), female gender, and possibly lighter skin color due to decreased barrier function [3].

ACD classically presents acutely as a papulovesicular, edematous, erythematous spreading eruption. Scaling may occur in subacute lesions and thickened plaques; lichenification or fissuring may be seen in chronic cases [4]. As in our cases, sensitization to multiple allergens, or polysensitization, can occur. A detailed history, including the points in Table 4, is important to help elucidate allergen sources. Polysensitization is subcategorized into co-sensitization (co-reactivity) and cross-sensitization. Co-sensitization is when multiple sensitizations occur to immunologically distinct chemicals at the same time. Cross-sensitization is when the 2 different antigens appear similar to the immune system. As mentioned, autoeczematization is a full-body ACD flare from a topical agent, whereas a systemic reaction appears the same but occurs secondary to a parenteral exposure.

ACD is a classic T-cell-mediated hypersensitivity to exogenous agents. Initially, low-molecular-weight (< 500 Da) chemicals (haptens), which are nonimmunogenic, penetrate the stratum corneum and covalently bind to amino acid side chains [5]. Next, the sensitization phase occurs when the hapten-protein complex is engulfed by Langerhans cells and drained to the regional lymph node. Clonal expansion occurs and T cells circulate the body before the elicitation phase occurs [6]. The elicitation phase commences when a T-cell- (primarily CD8+ Tc1 cells) mediated inflammatory response ensues as a consequence of being re-exposed to a cross-reactive or previously sensitized agent [7].

The mainstay of ACD treatment is allergen identification through patch testing and avoidance, which needs to be clearly conveyed to the patient. Short-term management of acute flares may require the use of topical corticosteroids. The use of betamethasone valerate (group D1) or desoximetasone (group C) is recommended, as they are the least allergenic corticosteroids. Oral prednisone is added in more severe cases. Calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus or pimecrolimus) in place of corticosteroids are acceptable, especially in cases involving the face or eyelids. In rare systemic cases, immunosuppressive agents have been successfully used (i.e., unavoidable airborne allergens like dust).

Proctosedyl® cream (specifically its constituent dibucaine) as a vehicle for ACD allergens was first described in a case report published by Lee in 1998 [8]. A second case report by Kearney and Fewings [8] attributed ACD to dibucaine (aka cinchocaine) in 2001; but these remain 2 isolated case reports demonstrating a direct link. At times, lidocaine and dibucaine can cross-react. However, the NACDG patch test results from 2011 to 2012 demonstrate that 9.1% (n = 384) of patch-tested patients had a definitive ACD reaction to neomycin [9]; this substance commonly cross-reacts with framycetin (in our patients’ hemorrhoid creams), since both are aminoglycoside topical antibiotics.

Based on the history and patch testing results demonstrated by our cases, the following was surmised. These patients were sensitized to multiple distinct components. Their exposure to Proctosedyl® cream and Proctomyxin cream® caused a range of reactions along the ACD spectrum. The re-exposure to similar agents (cases 2 and 3) consequently created a widespread autoeczematization that required oral prednisone. It was concluded that Proctosedyl® cream and Proctomyxin® cream were responsible in all 3 cases of ACD. One case had systemic contact dermatitis from a parental exposure to hydroxyzine and Reactine®.

Factors that contribute to sensitization include warm, moist, intertriginous areas that are fissured, such as the perianal region. Other high-risk sites are venous stasis dermatitis of the lower legs, otitis externa, perivulvar areas, eyelids, and legs.

These 3 ACD cases secondary to hemorrhoid treatment demonstrate several unique features. This report is an example of multiple patients with polysensitization to multiple unrelated allergies in hemorrhoid preparations (Proctosedyl® cream, Proctomyxin® cream, Anusol HC®, and Proctozone®). Second, it demonstrates the broad possible cross-reactivity to other medications which physicians and patients must be diligent to avoid. Finally, 2 of these cases showed autoeczematization, and 1 case is an example of a systemic reaction.

• ACD requires sensitization prior to elicitation of clinical findings.

• When ACD findings are present, all offending agents should be stopped in order to prevent worsening of existing rashes or an autoeczematization reaction.

• When establishing a diagnosis, an accurate detailed history and patch testing helps determine the cause of ACD.

• The management of allergic contact includes patient education, allergen avoidance, appropriate topical steroids (betamethasone) that are less allergic, and follow-up.

• Also, avoiding multiple OTC products is necessary, such as wet wipes, OTC hydrocortisone cream, etc.

• Safe products include gentle bar soap (Aveno Bar®), plain Vaseline, and Betaderm ointment if perianal pruritis develops.

All patients in this study have consented to the use of nonidentifiable personal information for the purposes of this publication.

No author involved in this study has any conflicts of interest to disclose.