Allergic contact dermatitis to chlorhexidine-containing antiseptics in infants and children: the origin of sensitization and the role of the excipients in this sensitization (a series of ten cases).

The recent COVID-19 pandemic provoked an outstanding increase of infection-control measures, with chlorhexidine becoming extensively used antiseptic. Allergic contact dermatitis to is considered as a rare event in children, often difficult identify, and its diagnosis misdiagnosed other skin diseases. We aimed explore the sensitization chlorhexidine-containing antiseptics infants children determine origin their role excipients dermatosis. performed patch tests digluconate 0.5%, benzalkonium chloride 0.1%, benzyl alcohol 10%, 5% 1% ten (1-16.5-year-old) severe reactions chlorhexidine-based (Biseptine®) cosmetics. also sodium benzoate four children. Results were measured according criteria recommended by International Contact Dermatitis Research Group. Patch test revealed that most sensitized at least two components (chlorhexidine, and/or chloride). To sensitization, we searched for umbilical cord care chlorhexidine- containing use cosmetics drugs antiseptics. Most parents reported prior disinfection antiseptics, but this was not always case. chlorhexidine, should be eczema concomitant allergies. regular alcohol, or cautioned avoided pre-existing Early suspicion allergology exploration allergic paramount importance help prevent topical numerous