The diagnosis of lichen-planus-like contact dermatitis to chlorpheniramine maleate.

In spite of the common use of the diagnostic category of lichen-planus-like contact dermatitis, we were unable to find established criteria for such a condition. An atypical distribution of otherwise typical lichen planus lesions is usually considered as a feature of a lichenoid eruption. When facing unusual or unexpected clinical features, it is always advisable to consider an adverse reaction to a medical intervention as a potential option. We report a lichen-planus-like eruption occurring after contact with a topical agent containing chlorpheniramine maleate. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of lichen-planus-like contact dermatitis associated with chlorpheniramine maleate.