Benzalkonium Chloride Intoxication Mimicking Herpes Zoster Encephalitis

Abstract

Benzalkonium chloride (BAC) is a frequently used disinfectant and its most well-known side effect is contact dermatitis. In this report, two children who had vesicular dermatitis, headache, lethargy, fever and encephalopathy mimicking Herpes zoster encephalitis were presented. Their consciousness level improved on the second day. From the medical history it was understood that the mother had applied 20% BAC solution to the scalps of two children. The aim of the presentation of this report is to draw attention to the fact that BAC application to the scalp for treating pediculosis capitis may resemble the herpes encephalitis clinical picture.

Keywords

• Benzalkonium chloride, encephalopathy, intoxication, Herpes zoster mimicking encephalopathy, vesicular contact dermatitis

Benzalkonium Chloride Intoxication Mimicking Herpes Zoster Encephalitis

Öz

References

1. 1. Johnston MV. Encephalopathies. In: Behrman RE, Kliegman RM, Arvin AM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 17th edition. Philadelphia: WB Saunders 2003;2023-9.
2. 2. Richard J. Whitley; Viral infections of the central nervous system. In: Gershon AA, Hotez PJ, Katz SL, eds. Krugman’s Infectious Diseases of Children. 11th edition. St Louis: Mosby 2003;855-76.
3. 3. Myers MG, Stanberry LR, Seward JF. Varicella-Zoster Virus. In: Behrman RE, Kliegman RM, Arvin AM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 17th edition. Philadelphia: WB Saunders, 2003;1057-62.
4. 4. Sigaloff KC, de Fijter CW. Herpes zoster-associated encephalitis in a patient undergoing CAPD: case report and literature review. Perit Dial Int 2007;27:391-4.
5. 5. Deutschle T, Porkert U, Reiter R, Keck T, Riechelmann H. In vitro genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of benzalkonium chloride. Toxicol in Vitro 2006;20:1472-7. [CrossRef]
6. 6. Bernstein IL. Is the use of benzalkonium chloride as a preservative for nasal formulations a safety concern? A cautionary note based on compromised mucociliary transport. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2000;105:39-44. [CrossRef]
7. 7. Gurol Y, Kocagoz S. Comparasion of the effi cacy of two new disinfectants with other disinfectants. Turkiye Klinikleri J Med Sci 2008;28:128-32.
8. 8. Fuchs T, Meinert A, Aberer W, Bahmer FA, Peters KP, Lischka GG, Schulze-Dirks A, Enders F, Frosch PJ. Benzalkonium chloride--a relevant contact allergen or irritant? Results of a multicenter study of the German Contact Allergy Group. Hautarzt 1993;44:699-702.

9. 9. http://www.vetas.com.tr/dokumanlar/1189846868.pdf [CrossRef]