Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Contact dermatitis of the eyelids is the most common cutaneous reaction that affects the eyelids. It is frequently caused by the cosmetics used on face, hair, and fingernails. Rarely, eyelid contact dermatitis can be caused by direct contact with either irritant or allergen.

OBJECTIVE:

To report a case of severe eyelid dermatitis caused by swimming goggles.

METHODS:

Patch skin tests were performed in duplicate using a small piece of black rubber foam padding from the swimming goggles. Allergy skin prick tests for inhalant aeroallergens were also performed.

RESULTS:

The results of the patch skin tests were strongly positive. The results of allergy skin prick tests for inhalant aeroallergens were positive for both seasonal and perennial aeroallergens.

CONCLUSIONS:

This case illustrates that sensitization to the black, foam rubber padding on swimming goggles can occur after long-term contact with the goggles and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of eyelid dermatitis in an appropriate setting.