Berloque Dermatitis is a condition in which the patient develops reddish to brownish   discoloration of the neck. The discoloration may sometimes extend to the arms. The disease can be attributed to the application of cologne or perfume to the skin. In some cases the skin first turns red and then brownish. The condition can remain for years and in some cases it may be even permanent.   Berloque Dermatitis generally occurs in women but it can occur to anyone who uses   fragrance that contains oil of bergamot.

Cause

5-methoxypsoralen or bergapten is the photoactive constituent of bergamot oil from the bergamot lime. Bergamot, also known as     bergamia is a popular ingredient in fragrances and perfumes. Bergamot is an extract of the peel of a kind of orange which is grown in calabria district of Italy and south of France. When the oil comes in contact with the skin and when the skin gets exposed to sunlight the bergamot oil causes the skin to lose color. Repeated exposures to sunlight may cause the discoloration to become permanent. It can be found in cosmetic and toiletries like aftershave lotions, sunscreen lotion, moisturizers. Perfumes can also be found in detergents, soaps, air fresheners and many other household items.

Symptoms

In a classic case of berloque dermatitis brown hyperpigmentation with or without any preceding erythema is seen in a drop like configuration. It generally is distributed over the sides of the neck in adult females. A few less common presentations of berloque dermatitis would include symmetrical facial pigmentation on a man. It may be caused by an aftershave lotion which contains bergapten

Treatment

·          Cosmetics like Covermark and Dermablend are helpful in covering the area so that it is not visible.

·          Daily use of sunscreen with S.P.F 30 is advisable to patients with berloque dermatitis. It would help the patient to restrict the condition from worsening.

·          No perfumes should be applied to those parts of the body that get exposed to the sun.

·          At present laser treatment is not available but it can be an effective treatment in the future.

·          Tretinoin should be applied to the affected areas to improve the condition.

·          Another treatment available is the application of Keralyt gel.

·          The condition can also be improved by the application of Jessner`s peel.

·          If the condition of the patient is acute and is experiencing discomfort wet compress would help in providing relief.

·          If the patient is in pain simple analgesic can be given.