A Case Report Of Periorbital Contact Allergy Reaction After The Use Of Mastisol

Kimberly Cockerham MD, FACS.¹; L. Evelyn Mora, MD²

¹Adjunct Associate Clinical Professor Stanford University School of Medicine. Facial Plastics; Orbit and Neuro-Ophthalmology
²Third year Ophthalmology Resident in Hospital Valentín Gómez Farias ISSSTE Guadalajara Jalisco

Background: Mastisol ® is a Liquid Adhesive manufactured by Ferndale Laboratories, in 2 fl. Oz (60 ml) bottle, 2/3 cc vials and 15 mL spray bottle; it is clear, non-irritating, non-water soluble, latex free skin adhesive frecuently used in surgery to secure skin strips for incision approximation and closure. It contains Ethanol (Ethyl Alcohol), Acetone, Methyl Salicylate, Gum Mastic (Mastic, Resin), Storax (Styrax) and water.

Case Report: A 41 year old female underwent a bilateral lower blepharoplasty with fat removal and repositioning (October 2010). On the first post operative day, the steri-strips were removed and replaced with new steri-strips and secured using 0.2cc of Mastisol, she was prescribed with Prednisone 40 mg every day and Benadryl ®, as the patient wanted to return to work as quickly as possible. After 4 days of surgery, the patient called our office to report itching, redness and blisters in both lower eyelids.

Clinical evaluation revealed blistering, erythema and edema in the incision sites and in the area surrounding. Treatment included IV steroids for 3 days and continue Benadryl®. 4 days later, the local erythema, edema, pruritus, and blistering resolved.

Conclusion: Education of surgeons is needed regarding exposure to a potential allergen in the surgical setting and risk of developing allergic contact dermatitis.