Contact dermatitis
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There are numerous reports of anaphylaxis from chlorhexidine in surgical operations and other medical procedures, usually due to its application to wounds or mucous membranes. We wanted to analyse the clinical data of patients with a positive chlorhexidine prick test and perform some additional testing. We studied the case records of the patients with a positive chlorhexidine prick test and performed an open application test and tests for specific IgE. ⋯ Besides severe attacks, patients with a positive prick test often have milder local symptoms, such as exacerbation of dermatitis. Local symptoms from chlorhexidine-containing products may precede severe attacks. We recommend a prick test to be performed routinely when symptoms during medical interventional procedures, e.g. local and general anaesthesia, are investigated.