Contact allergy to topical corticosteroids and sunscreens. 2012

Abir Saraswat
Indushree Skin Clinic, Lucknow, India.

Topical corticosteroids and sunscreens are extensively used formulations, both as over-the-counter products and as prescription medicines. Topical corticosteroids are increasingly being recognized as causes of allergic contact dermatitis. Because of their anti-inflammatory property, contact allergy to these agents may be difficult to suspect and prove. With corticosteroid allergy, there are special issues in patch testing that need to be considered: Screening tests need to be done with budesonide and tixocortol pivalate, and delayed readings are essential to pick up all positive cases. Preventive advice needs to be tailored according to the structural and chemical peculiarities of a particular molecule. Sunscreen allergy is a significant part of cosmetic allergy; especially in cases of photoallergic reactions. Each passing decade is bringing forth new allergens in this class. In many countries, benzophenones have recently been replaced by octocrylene as the leading causes of contact dermatitis to sunscreens. This article provides a broad overview of corticosteroid and sunscreen allergy so that the readers are aware of these important emerging classes of allergens.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D010328 Patch Tests Skin tests in which the sensitizer is applied to a patch of cotton cloth or gauze held in place for approximately 48-72 hours. It is used for the elicitation of a contact hypersensitivity reaction. Patch Testing,Patch Test,Patch Testings,Test, Patch,Testing, Patch,Testings, Patch,Tests, Patch
D003429 Cross Reactions Serological reactions in which an antiserum against one antigen reacts with a non-identical but closely related antigen. Cross Reaction,Reaction, Cross,Reactions, Cross
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000279 Administration, Cutaneous The application of suitable drug dosage forms to the skin for either local or systemic effects. Cutaneous Drug Administration,Dermal Drug Administration,Drug Administration, Dermal,Percutaneous Administration,Skin Drug Administration,Transcutaneous Administration,Transdermal Administration,Administration, Dermal,Administration, Transcutaneous,Administration, Transdermal,Cutaneous Administration,Cutaneous Administration, Drug,Dermal Administration,Drug Administration, Cutaneous,Skin Administration, Drug,Administration, Cutaneous Drug,Administration, Dermal Drug,Administration, Percutaneous,Administrations, Cutaneous,Administrations, Cutaneous Drug,Administrations, Dermal,Administrations, Dermal Drug,Administrations, Percutaneous,Administrations, Transcutaneous,Administrations, Transdermal,Cutaneous Administrations,Cutaneous Administrations, Drug,Cutaneous Drug Administrations,Dermal Administrations,Dermal Drug Administrations,Drug Administrations, Cutaneous,Drug Administrations, Dermal,Drug Skin Administrations,Percutaneous Administrations,Skin Administrations, Drug,Skin Drug Administrations,Transcutaneous Administrations,Transdermal Administrations
D000305 Adrenal Cortex Hormones HORMONES produced by the ADRENAL CORTEX, including both steroid and peptide hormones. The major hormones produced are HYDROCORTISONE and ALDOSTERONE. Adrenal Cortex Hormone,Corticoid,Corticoids,Corticosteroid,Corticosteroids,Cortex Hormone, Adrenal,Hormone, Adrenal Cortex,Hormones, Adrenal Cortex
D013473 Sunscreening Agents Chemical or physical agents that protect the skin from sunburn and erythema by absorbing or blocking ultraviolet radiation. Sunscreen,Sunscreens,Agents, Sunscreening
D017449 Dermatitis, Allergic Contact A contact dermatitis due to allergic sensitization to various substances. These substances subsequently produce inflammatory reactions in the skin of those who have acquired hypersensitivity to them as a result of prior exposure. Allergic Contact Dermatitis,Dermatitis, Allergic Eczematous,Dermatitis, Contact, Allergic,Allergic Contact Dermatitides,Allergic Eczematous Dermatitides,Allergic Eczematous Dermatitis,Contact Dermatitides, Allergic,Contact Dermatitis, Allergic,Dermatitides, Allergic Contact,Dermatitides, Allergic Eczematous,Eczematous Dermatitides, Allergic,Eczematous Dermatitis, Allergic

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