Contact allergy to progesterone and estradiol in a patient with multiple corticosteroid allergies.

Author(s): Lamb SR, Wilkinson SM

Affiliation(s): Department of Dermatology, Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds, UK.

Publication date & source: 2004-06, Dermatitis., 15(2):78-81.

Publication type: Case Reports

A 61-year-old woman with a persistent hand and foot dermatitis developed multiple contact allergies to topical steroids. She had a past history of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to a hormone replacement patch containing both estrogen and progesterone. The aim of this report is to highlight the potential cross-reactions between topical corticosteroids and sex steroids. Patch testing with a standard series, a corticosteroid series, and the sex steroids progesterone and estradiol was performed. Positive ACD reactions to hydroxyprogesterone, progesterone, and estradiol occurred. There were also multiple corticosteroid allergies. This case demonstrates that patients who develop contact allergies to sex steroids are at risk of developing multiple corticosteroid allergies.