Allergic contact dermatitis to benzyl alcohol in a hearing aid impression material

A patient with allergic contact dermatitis caused by benzyl alcohol in a hearing aid impression material and in topical medications is described. In addition, the patient had topical and probably systemic corticosteroid allergy. Benzyl alcohol allergy is reviewed, allergic contact dermatitis is the most commonly reported allergic reaction to benzyl alcohol. There is also 1 report of contact urticaria. Balsam of Peru patch tests are frequently positive. Reported allergic reactions to injected benzyl alcohol include generalized urticarial reactions, 1 generalized maculopapular reaction and 1 delayed localized reaction.