Probable allergic contact dermatitis mimicking erythema muliforme

Introduction
Allergic contact dermatitis is a common dermatosis. It is associated with hypersensitivity to potentially harmless substances. Erythema multiforme-like lesions may be an atypical manifestation of non-eczematous allergic contact dermatitis.

Objective
To present a case of a patient with erythema multiforme-like allergic contact dermatitis caused by the application of hairspray on the skin.

Case report
A 70-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital because of erythema multiforme-like skin lesions that appeared 24 hours after using a new hairspray. Physical examination revealed erythematous- edematous changes. They were accompanied by itching and burning sensations. Locally confluent foci of “targetoid” lesions were observed on the skin. The patient reported general fatigue and dyspnoea.

Conclusions
Allergic contact dermatitis in form of erythema multiforme-like lesions occurs rarely. In our patient it was caused by application of hairspray. Coexistence of systemic symptoms is not unusual in such cases.