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Contact dermatitis caused by cetrimide in antiseptics
1Department of Dermatology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan.
Contact Dermatitis
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Antiseptic solutions containing cetrimide and chlorhexidine can cause irritant contact dermatitis. This study highlights the clinical and pathologic findings of 18 cases, emphasizing cetrimide as the likely irritant.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Toxicology
- Contact Dermatitis
Background:
- Cetrimide and chlorhexidine are common antiseptics.
- Irritant contact dermatitis from cetrimide is rarely reported, often lacking detailed pathologic study.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the clinical and pathologic findings of contact dermatitis caused by antiseptic solutions containing cetrimide and chlorhexidine.
- To identify the causative agent and characteristic features of this dermatitis.
Main Methods:
- Clinical observation of 18 patients with dermatitis.
- Pathologic examination including light microscopy.
- Patch testing with antiseptic components.
Main Results:
- Patients developed pruritic, burning rashes on flexors and genitalia after using undiluted antiseptics.
- Lesions ranged from scaling to fiery red patches; rashes resolved after discontinuing use.
- Patch testing showed irritant reactions to cetrimide but not chlorhexidine.
Conclusions:
- The dermatitis is likely an irritant reaction to cetrimide due to improper self-application.
- Characteristic xerosis- or chemical-burn-like features in flexural and genital areas are key diagnostic indicators.