Introduction: Topical non steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID) are recently used in France. Seven cases of contact vasculitis due to topical NSAID are reported.
Patients and methods: The clinical and histological features and follow-up data of seven patients with contact vasculitis due to topical NSAID were retrospectively reviewed.
Results: The mean age of the seven patients (four women, three men) was 39 years. The topical NSAID used were: ketoprofene in four cases, mephenesine in one case and phenylbutazone in two cases. Cutaneous lesions occurred after a mean time of four days. Histological examination of a skin biopsy specimen showed a leucocytoclastic vasculitis in two cases, a lymphocytic vasculitis in two cases and a mixed vasculitis in three cases. Previous sensibilization to the drug was noted in five cases. Cutaneous patch tests with the drugs were positive in all cases.
Conclusion: The risk of systemic reaction after oral ingestion of the culprit drug may be considered in these patients.