Contact dermatitis from butylated hydroxyanisole.

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), an antioxidant widely used for food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic manufactures, has been reported as a rare cause of contact dermatitis. In the article, two cases of contact dermatitis due to BHA in topical preparations has been reported. Both the patients are suffering from skin diseases and applying topical ointments, having BHA as an active ingredient. Patch tests showed strong positive reactions with BHA. Since antioxidants are not included in the standard test series, the frequency of BHA sensitivity is unknown.