[Contact allergy to topical glucocorticoids].

Three women with suspected contact allergies to topical corticosteroids had positive patch test reactions to amcinonide, triamcinolone acetonide and budesonide, two of them also reacted to tixocortol pivalate. Doubtful patch test results were seen on hydrocortisone and Alfasone cream. On performing a ROAT (repeated open application test) with amcinonide in all women we saw massive erythematous reactions and spreading urticaria. ROAT with Betnesol-V cream was negative. Two of the women, who were older, had multiple sensitization owing to long-term treatment of venous ulcers over many years. The third woman was young and had acquired the allergy through short-term treatment of prurigo with various topical corticosteroids. Contact allergy to topical corticosteroids is frequent and should be borne in mind in daily practice. Especially when chronic dermatitis is difficult to manage, cross reactions between chemically related corticosteroids should be considered.