Blistering skin reaction with Mastisol in a patient with spina bifida: illustrative case

BACKGROUND: Patients with spina bifida have repeated interactions with the healthcare system and often require multiple surgeries throughout their lifetime. Latex precautions are often indicated owing to the high risk of anaphylactic reactions. The choice of dressing for these patients represents an opportunity for learning and standardization if appropriate. The authors discuss the various cases of skin reactions to Mastisol in the literature in comparison with their case and explore the possible mechanisms underlying this skin reaction given the high prevalence of latex allergy in patients with spina bifida. OBSERVATIONS: The authors present the case of a 17-year-old girl with a history of spina bifida and shunted hydrocephalus who underwent a shunt externalization operation and subsequently developed an allergic contact dermatitis reaction to Mastisol liquid adhesive. Topical steroid cream was then administered, and signs and symptoms resolved over the next 3 days. LESSONS: The choice of dressing should be considered carefully in patients with spina bifida given their repeated exposures and possible sensitivities. The authors aim to increase the awareness of the possibility of Mastisol-induced skin reactions in patients with spina bifida and set a foundation for future studies to investigate the relationship between latex allergy and sensitization to Mastisol.