Dermatitis
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Although chlorhexidine is a widely used substance, allergic contact dermatitis from chlorhexidine has rarely been reported. Our objective was to study all cases of allergic contact dermatitis from chlorhexidine that were seen at St John's Institute of Dermatology from January 1983 to June 2002. The case records of all patients with positive patch-test reactions to chlorhexidine during the study period were retrieved. ⋯ The possible sources of exposure included Hibisol, Hibiscrub, a chlorhexidine spray, and peri- and postoperative antiseptic solutions. We concluded that allergic contact dermatitis from chlorhexidine is rare. However, when it occurs, it may cause a severe dermatitis reaction.