Sensitisation to corticosteroids. Consequences for anti-inflammatory therapy.

The frequency with which sensitisation to corticosteroids occurs is under-recognised, and depends on factors such as the type and amount of corticosteroid used, the awareness of the need to test for corticosteroid sensitivity and the methods used to do so. Topically applied corticosteroids, in particular, but also inhalation and systemic corticosteroids may cause allergic reactions. The clinical picture as well as the patch test reactions can be deceptive. Moreover, concomitant and cross-reactions are common.