Berloque dermatitis L56.2

Phototoxic dermatitis after application of cosmetics containing bergamot oil. The term berloque is a falsification of the French "breloque" = watch strap.

Mostly neck and décolleté area, the most common places of application for the relevant cosmetics. In principle, however, other localizations are also possible, depending on the place of application.

Dermatitis occurring after exposure to the sun, initially acute to sub-acute, sharply defined, itchy or burning dermatitis, later streaky hyperpigmentation at the contact points. S.a. Dermatitis bullosa pratensis; it is not uncommon for the acute changes not to be noticed, but only the late effects (hyperpigmentation).

Avoid the agent, otherwise blank local therapy with non-perfumed external care products (e.g. Ungt. emulsif. aq.). Short-term glucocorticoid-containing external agents, e.g. betamethasone valerate (Betnesol-V Lotio, R030 ). In case of persistent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation chemical peeling may be necessary.

1. Freund E (1916) On hitherto undescribed artificial skin discolorations. Dermatol Wochenschr 63: 931-933

2. Ippen H et al. (1957) Photodermatitis pigmentaria Freund (Berloque dermatitis) due to cologne stick. Z Haut Geschlechtskr 23:230-235.

3. Rosenthal O (1925) Berloque dermatitis: Berlin Dermatological Society. Dermatol Zeitschr 42: 295