Pigmented Cosmetic Dermatitis

Pigmented cosmetic dermatitis1–4 is a new name for melanosis faciei feminase designated after the mechanisim and causative allergens of this pigmentary disorder were greatly clarified. In Japan, a large number of pigmented cosmetic dermatitis patients were noted in the 1960s and 1970s; however, the number of patients has decreased remarkably since 1978, when major cosmetic companies began to eliminate strong contact sensitizers from their products. This review is concerned with the way this pigmentary disorder was overcome through the use of patch testing and allergen control.