• DOI:10.1111/j.1365-2133.1989.tb01396.x
• Corpus ID: 40425526

Identification of cross‐reaction patterns in allergic contact dermatitis from topical corticosteroids

@article{Coopman1989IdentificationOC,
  title={Identification of cross‐reaction patterns in allergic contact dermatitis from topical corticosteroids},
  author={Serge A. Coopman and H. Degreef and A. Dooms‐goossens},
  journal={British Journal of Dermatology},
  year={1989},
  volume={121}
}

• S. Coopman, H. Degreef, A. Dooms‐goossens
• Published 1 July 1989
• Medicine, Biology
• British Journal of Dermatology

Contact allergy to topical corticosteroids occurs more frequently than previously supposed. Cross‐allergic phenomena are common. On the basis of a review of the literature and our own patch test data on 15 patients, we conclude that positive patchtests to corticosteroids occur approximately six to seven times more frequently in well‐defined groups of structurally‐related substances than between corticosteroids of different groups. An analogous substitution pattern on the steroid D‐ring or the carbon side chain (C20, C21) seems to have a significant influence on the association of positive patchtest results. This is not the case for other structural variables, such as the presence of a double bond in the steroid A‐ring or fluoride substitutions on the B‐ring. The effect of other factors such as concomitant sensitization and steroid metabolism in the skin on the development of a corticosteroid polyallergy are analysed, and the specificity and sensitivity of cross‐allergy phenomena are evaluated. These are important in the selection of a topical steroid in the future treatment of a corticosteroid sensitive patient.