Contact allergy to topical corticosteroids

Abstract

Topical corticosteroids are commonly used to treat inflammatory skin conditions due to their anti-inflammatory properties. However, patients with long-lasting, non-responsive eczema have to be evaluated for a complicating contact allergy to the topical product. Clinical management of allergic contact dermatitis to corticosteroids can be challenging. The preventive measures should be tailored according to the sensitization patterns and supported by currently available classification systems to avoid cross-reactivity, as argued in this review.