# Moisturizer induced contact anaphylaxis

## TL;DR

A man had a severe allergic reaction from a moisturizer, likely due to phenoxyethanol, after applying it to a skin injury.

## Contribution

This case report highlights the rare occurrence of anaphylaxis from moisturizer, emphasizing phenoxyethanol as a potential allergen.

## Key findings

- A 69-year-old non-atopic male developed anaphylaxis after applying moisturizer to chemical burns.
- Skin testing suggested phenoxyethanol as the likely allergen.
- Damaged skin may increase systemic absorption of allergens in cosmetics.

## Abstract

Contact allergens typically trigger localised reactions, but systemic Type I hypersensitivity from skin contact reactions are rare.

We present the case of a 69-year-old non-atopic male who developed anaphylaxis following the application of moisturizer to an area of chemical burns. Skin testing showed a strong positive result to moisturizer. Whilst not all ingredients were available for testing, phenoxyethanol was thought to be the likely culprit agent based on literature review and a weakly positive skin test result.

Products such as moisturizers can rarely trigger anaphylaxis, especially when applied to damaged skin which may favor systemic absorption. This case highlights the need for careful consideration of cosmetic application when discerning culprit allergens.