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Published on: December 15, 2011
Hydrocortisone: an important cutaneous allergen
S M Wilkinson1, P H Cartwright, J S English
1Department of Dermatology, North Staffordshire Hospital Centre, Stoke-on-Trent, UK.
Lancet (London, England)
|March 30, 1991
Summary
A significant 4.8% of patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis showed an allergy to hydrocortisone. Consider hydrocortisone allergy if conditions fail to improve or worsen after treatment.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Allergology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Allergic contact dermatitis is a common skin condition.
- Hydrocortisone is a widely used topical corticosteroid for inflammatory skin conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of hydrocortisone allergy in patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis.
- To highlight the importance of considering hydrocortisone allergy in non-responsive or worsening cases.
Main Methods:
- Patient population: individuals with suspected allergic contact dermatitis.
- Diagnostic approach: clinical evaluation and assessment of response to hydrocortisone administration.
Main Results:
- A high incidence of 4.8% for hydrocortisone allergy was identified.
- This allergy was observed in patients presenting with suspected allergic contact dermatitis.
Conclusions:
- Hydrocortisone allergy is a notable concern in patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis.
- Clinicians should consider hydrocortisone allergy when a condition does not improve or deteriorates after hydrocortisone treatment.
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