Photocontact dermatitis due to isopropyl and butyl methoxy dibenzoylmethanes (Eusolex 8020 and Parsol 1789)

A 23-year-old woman had an erythema on the shins, thighs and arms after sunbathing. There were prominent linear streaks and a striking hand imprint on her left lower back (Fig. 1). She had used a new sunscreen lotion over the previous few days, instead of her usual protective oiL A provisional diagnosis of allergy to the sunscreen lotion was made. After treatment with hydrocortisone ointment, patch and photopatch testing were performed. She showed no reaction at 96 h to the European standard series. Our routine sunscreen series (Table 1) was applied in duplicate and removed after 48 h. One set was then irradiated with 10 Jjcm UVA light. The results were read at 96 h. She had no reactions