Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis

Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis (APD) is an uncommon cutaneous disorder characterized by exacerbations during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. We describe a 27-year-old woman with a recurrent skin eruption for 3 years. She had no history of exposure to synthetic progesterones. At each menses, the patient developed scaly, erythematous maculopapular lesions over the face. Intradermal skin test reaction to progesterone was positive. Progesterone sensitivity was also demonstrated by challenge test with intramuscular progesterone acetate. These features were consistent with the diagnosis of APD. Our patient was treated successfully with conjugated estrogen for 6 months. At one year follow-up, the patient had had no recurrence of facial eruption.