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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
22:06
Induction and Monitoring of Adoptive Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity in Rats
Published on: October 1, 2007
Patch, prick or intradermal tests to detect delayed hypersensitivity to corticosteroids?
Angèle Soria1, Marie Baeck, An Goossens
1Department of Dermatology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium.
Contact Dermatitis
|April 20, 2011
Summary
Patch testing with ethanol-diluted corticosteroids is the best method for diagnosing corticosteroid allergy. Intradermal tests can detect more cases but carry a significant risk of skin atrophy.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Allergology
- Immunology
Background:
- Contact allergy to topical corticosteroids is a common clinical concern.
- Patch testing is the standard diagnostic method for corticosteroid hypersensitivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the sensitivity of patch, prick, and intradermal testing for diagnosing corticosteroid hypersensitivity.
- To identify the most effective diagnostic method for corticosteroid allergy.
Main Methods:
- Nineteen subjects with known corticosteroid allergy and three controls were tested.
- Patch, prick, and intradermal tests were performed using commercial corticosteroid preparations and diluted active principles.
- Test readings were taken at multiple time points up to 7 days.
Main Results:
- Patch tests with ethanolic preparations yielded more positive reactions than commercial ones.
- Intradermal tests showed earlier positive results but led to skin atrophy in 14/22 subjects.
- Concordance between patch and intradermal tests was observed in 11/15 subjects.
Conclusions:
- Patch testing with ethanol-diluted active principles is the preferred method for diagnosing delayed corticosteroid hypersensitivity.
- Routine use of intradermal tests is not recommended due to the high risk of skin atrophy, especially with corticosteroid suspensions.
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