[Allergic reactions of the immediate and delayed type following prednisolone medication]

Allergic sensitization due to corticosteroids seldom occur and are compound-specific, as a rule. They induce various clinical features, in particular urticaria, different exanthematous reactions and contact dermatitis as shown by our observations in 10 patients with prednisolone-allergy. In three cases a simultaneous allergy due to methylprednisolone was found. Impairment of the features or alterations in the clinical morphology after the application of prednisolone suggest the diagnosis, which can be confirmed by means of the scratch and epicutaneous testing and in one patient by the oral exposure, additionally. In addition a delayed-type sensitization to propylene glycol could be proved in three cases, and the same was with romulgin and parabens in one case each. Dexamethasone was used and tolerated as alternative and emergency medication in equivalent doses.