Allergic contact dermatitis to Myroxylon pereirae (Balsam of Peru) in papaw ointment causing cheilitis

Abstract

Two patients presented with cheilitis and perioral dermatitis. Patch testing revealed positive reactions to both Myroxylon pereirae (MP; formerly known as Balsam of Peru) and Lucas Papaw Ointment (LPO; Lucas Papaw Remedies, Bisbane, Qld, Australia). MP was not listed as an ingredient in LPO, however the manufacturer confirmed that a small amount of MP was present in LPO and we believe this to be the cause of the patients' dermatitis. © 2011 The Authors. Australasian Journal of Dermatology © 2011 The Australasian College of Dermatologists.