Hypersensitivity to Aerosol Spray Dressing

Abstract

We report case of a 12-year-old girl who had undergone surgical correction for Lenke’s Type 1A right-sided adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in the spine unit of our hospital. Postoperatively, secondary suturing was required due to wound dehiscence. After the secondary suturing, an aerosol spray dressing in the form of polyvinyl polymer 2.52% w/w + benzocaine 0.36% w/w + cetrimide 0.50% w/w + propellant solvent 100% w/w was applied topically on the day of discharge. On the same day at home, the patient developed a hypersensitivity reaction in the form of erythema, rash, and blebs at the site of application along the suture line and adjacent areas. It was diagnosed as a hypersensitivity reaction to the aerosol dressing spray. The patient was started on tablet prednisolone 10 mg TID tapered over a period of 9 days with topical fusidic acid and Betnesol® ointment. She recovered in about 10-12 days and had uneventful further followups in the clinic.

Keywords: Aerosol propellant; benzocaine; hypersensitivity