Allergic contact dermatitis caused by aftershave creams containing Glycyrrhiza inflata

A 60-year-old atopic male who presented with facial dermatitis, extending down his neckline, that had been present for 6 months. A skin biopsy identified spongiotic dermatitis, and patch tests were performed on the upper back with his own cosmetics (including an aftershave cream, tested ‘as is’), a baseline series, and a cosmetic series (Chemotechnique, Vellinge, Sweden), all with patch test chambers from Allergeaze® (SmartPractice, Calgary, Canada). After an occlusion time of 2 days with Fixomull® stretch (BSN Medical, Hamburg, Germany), reactions were read according to ESCD guidelines. On day (D) 4, reactions were seen to Myroxylon pereirae (balsam of Peru; +), which was considered to account for previous axillary dermatitis resulting from the use of a deodorant, and to his own aftershave cream (++), explaining his facial dermatitis. No later reactions were reported. Additional patch tests were performed with the individual ingredients of the cream obtained from the manufacturer, including G. inflata (delivered as a dry, brown powder and