Chlorhexidine Allergy: On the Rise and Often Overlooked

TY - JOUR

T1 - Chlorhexidine Allergy

T2 - On the Rise and Often Overlooked

AU - Opstrup, Morten Schjørring

AU - Jemec, Gregor Borut Ernst

AU - Garvey, Lene Heise

PY - 2019

Y1 - 2019

N2 - Purpose of Review: In recent years, the risk of allergy to chlorhexidine is increasingly recognised. In this review, we discuss why the allergy is so easily overlooked and point out several preventative initiatives that can minimise the risk of both chlorhexidine sensitisation and allergy development and accidental re-exposure in patients with chlorhexidine allergy. Testing for chlorhexidine allergy is also discussed. Recent Findings: Numerous reports have been published from many different specialties. Symptoms range from mild skin symptoms to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Testing for chlorhexidine allergy is based on skin testing and in vitro testing. Recently, it was found that both skin prick testing and specific IgE have high sensitivities and specificities. Summary: This review gives an overview of chlorhexidine allergy with a special focus on preventative initiatives and testing.

AB - Purpose of Review: In recent years, the risk of allergy to chlorhexidine is increasingly recognised. In this review, we discuss why the allergy is so easily overlooked and point out several preventative initiatives that can minimise the risk of both chlorhexidine sensitisation and allergy development and accidental re-exposure in patients with chlorhexidine allergy. Testing for chlorhexidine allergy is also discussed. Recent Findings: Numerous reports have been published from many different specialties. Symptoms range from mild skin symptoms to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Testing for chlorhexidine allergy is based on skin testing and in vitro testing. Recently, it was found that both skin prick testing and specific IgE have high sensitivities and specificities. Summary: This review gives an overview of chlorhexidine allergy with a special focus on preventative initiatives and testing.

KW - Allergy testing

KW - Chlorhexidine

KW - Chlorhexidine allergy

KW - Perioperative allergy

KW - Skin testing

KW - Specific IgE

U2 - 10.1007/s11882-019-0858-2

DO - 10.1007/s11882-019-0858-2

M3 - Review

C2 - 30874959

AN - SCOPUS:85062986962

SN - 1529-7322

VL - 19

JO - Current Allergy and Asthma Reports

JF - Current Allergy and Asthma Reports

IS - 5

M1 - 23

ER -