Morten Schjørring Opstrup1,2, Gregor Borut Ernst Jemec3,4, Lene Heise Garvey5,4. 1. Department of Dermatology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark. morten.schjoerring.opstrup@regionh.dk. 2. Danish Anaesthesia Allergy Centre, Allergy Clinic, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Copenhagen University Hospital Gentofte, Kildegårdsvej 28, 2900, Hellerup, Denmark. morten.schjoerring.opstrup@regionh.dk. 3. Department of Dermatology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark. 4. Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark. 5. Danish Anaesthesia Allergy Centre, Allergy Clinic, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Copenhagen University Hospital Gentofte, Kildegårdsvej 28, 2900, Hellerup, Denmark.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In recent years, the risk of allergy to chlorhexidine is increasingly recognised. In this review, we discuss why the allergy is so easily overlooked and point out several preventative initiatives that can minimise the risk of both chlorhexidine sensitisation and allergy development and accidental re-exposure in patients with chlorhexidine allergy. Testing for chlorhexidine allergy is also discussed. RECENT FINDINGS: Numerous reports have been published from many different specialties. Symptoms range from mild skin symptoms to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Testing for chlorhexidine allergy is based on skin testing and in vitro testing. Recently, it was found that both skin prick testing and specific IgE have high sensitivities and specificities. This review gives an overview of chlorhexidine allergy with a special focus on preventative initiatives and testing.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In recent years, the risk of allergy to chlorhexidine is increasingly recognised. In this review, we discuss why the allergy is so easily overlooked and point out several preventative initiatives that can minimise the risk of both chlorhexidine sensitisation and allergy development and accidental re-exposure in patients with chlorhexidineallergy. Testing for chlorhexidineallergy is also discussed. RECENT FINDINGS: Numerous reports have been published from many different specialties. Symptoms range from mild skin symptoms to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Testing for chlorhexidineallergy is based on skin testing and in vitro testing. Recently, it was found that both skin prick testing and specific IgE have high sensitivities and specificities. This review gives an overview of chlorhexidineallergy with a special focus on preventative initiatives and testing.