[Contact allergy to glycerol trinitrate (nitroderm TTS)]

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Allergology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Nitroderm TTS is a transdermal patch used for managing angina.
• Allergic contact dermatitis is a common skin reaction to various substances.

Observation:

• A 48-year-old male patient presented with a chest rash after three months of continuous Nitroderm TTS application.
• The dermatitis was characterized as allergic contact dermatitis.

Findings:

• Epicutaneous patch testing was performed to identify the specific allergen.
• The testing definitively identified glycerol trinitrate, an active component in Nitroderm TTS, as the causative agent.

Implications:

• This case highlights glycerol trinitrate as a potential contact allergen in transdermal formulations.
• Clinicians should consider allergic contact dermatitis to topical nitrates in patients using such medications.
• Awareness of this allergen can aid in accurate diagnosis and management of similar dermatological reactions.