Corticosteroid Contact Allergy: A Challenge to Patch Testing

Abstract

Corticosteroid contact sensitivity had been thought of as a rarity until recently when various investigators began studying this interesting and surprisingly common problem. An Dooms Goossens is one of the leaders in this research and her enlightening essay summarizes all the important features of this subject.

The frequency with which contact allergic reactions to corticosteroids occur is increasing and depends on factors such as the type and amount of corticosteroids used, the awareness on the part of the dermatologist of the need to test for corticosteroid sensitivity, and the methods used to do so. The clinical picture as well as the patch test reactions can be deceptive. Moreover, concomitant reactions and cross-reactions are common with corticosteroids.