Methaemoglobinaemia from Vagisil creme in a 50-year-old woman

Abstract

Methaemoglobinaemia is a life-threatening condition that results from increased methaemoglobin production. As methaemoglobin is unable to reversibly bind to oxygen potentially lethal hypoxia and functional anaemia can occur. Benzocaine can be used as a topical anaesthetic and can be found in many nonprescription preparations marketed for self-application. It is known to cause methaemoglobinaemia in rare cases but most reports describe the complication occurring during endoscopy procedures. Methaemoglobinaemia occurring after topical benzocaine use on the perineum of a perimenopausal woman is exceedingly rare. A 50-year-old woman with methaemoglobinaemia secondary to the perineal application of over-the counter Vagisil (benzocaine 20% and resorcinol 3%- an antiseptic and disinfectant, respectively) presented to the emergency department. She had been using Vagisil for severe, chronic vaginal itching. While methaemoglobinaemia secondary to excessive use of over-the-counter medications such as Vagisil creme is exceedingly rare, it should be included in the differential diagnosis.