Allergic contact dermatitis from topical corticosteroids

22 cases of allergic contact dermatitis from topical corticosteroids were observed in Strasbourg and previously published. 7 further cases are reported here and the vehicle and concentration of corticosteroids for patch tests are discussed. A 0.1% concentration in petrolatum seemed adequate for testing the 4 molecules (triamcinolone acetonide, dexamethasone, desonide and amcinonide) responsible for the 7 new cases. In 1 case, several cross-reactions were seen. A corticosteroid screening series permits patch testing of the suspected molecule(s) in a selective way. Without this series, long delays are required to make the correct diagnosis by patch testing. We have reviewed more than 60 papers on corticosteroid allergy published up to now.