Abstract
RATIONALE: Corrosion refers to the degradation of a material that occurs following its interaction with other substances in the environment. Corrosion of metallic substances into tissues may lead to inflammatory responses such as systemic contact dermatitis (SCD), a skin condition where an individual who has previously been sensitized to a particular allergen via the cutaneous route will subsequently react to same allergen via the systemic route. This condition occurs following exposure to allergens such as metals, medications, and certain food substances. In recent years, the use of metal plates for internal fixation has become increasingly common in bone fracture repairs. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 34-year-old Indonesian male presented with systemic erythema with itching 7 days following a bone plate fixation as a management for mandibular fracture. DIAGNOSES: Physical examination showed pruritic red macules, papules, and scales on almost his entire body, along with facial swelling. The patch test results revealed a positive reaction to nickel and cobalt. Therefore, the patient was diagnosed with SCD. INTERVENTIONS: The patient was treated with topical and systemic corticosteroids as well as bone plate removal. OUTCOME: After treatment, the eruption turned brown, the itching was resolved, and there were no facial swelling as well. LESSONS: This case report highlights the need to consider the occurrence of SCD in patients following bone plate fixation.