Benzalkonium Chloride Intoxication Mimicking Herpes Zoster Encephalitis

Abstract

Benzalkonium chloride (BAC) is a frequently used disinfectant and its most well-known side effect is contact dermatitis. In this report, two children who had vesicular dermatitis, headache, lethargy, fever and encephalopathy mimicking Herpes zoster encephalitis were presented. Their consciousness level improved on the second day. From the medical history it was understood that the mother had applied 20% BAC solution to the scalps of two children. The aim of the presentation of this report is to draw attention to the fact that BAC application to the scalp for treating pediculosis capitis may resemble the herpes encephalitis clinical picture.

Keywords

• Benzalkonium chloride
• encephalopathy
• intoxication
• Herpes zoster mimicking encephalopathy
• vesicular contact dermatitis