Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis: absence of contact sensitivity to glucocorticoids, oestrogen and 17-alpha-OH-progesterone.
Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis is a rare condition, characterized by recurrent premenstrual exacerbations of a dermatosis, in which sensitivity to progesterone can be demonstrated. The sensitizing mechanism is unknown. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that cross-sensitivity between steroid groups could induce allergy to endogenous progesterone in these patients. 5 patients with autoimmune progesterone dermatitis and 1 with oestrogen-sensitive dermatitis have been patch tested with a corticosteroid series, conjugated oestrogen 1% in petrolatum (pet.), and 17-alpha-OH-progesterone 2% pet. There were no immediate or delayed reactions at 2 and 4 days to any steroid group. We have therefore been unable to demonstrate steroid cross-sensitivity, or a use for 17-alpha-OH-progesterone in the investigation of oestrogen - and progesterone-sensitive dermatoses.
Stephens
C J
CJ
St. John's Institute of Dermatology, St. Thomas' Hospital, UK.
McFadden
J P
JP
Black
M M
MM
Rycroft
R J
RJ
D000328:Adult; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology; D003875:Drug Eruptions / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D004967:Estrogens / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D006908:Hydroxyprogesterones / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology; D007428:Intradermal Tests; D010328:Patch Tests; D011374:Progesterone / Q000276:immunology
D004967:Estrogens; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D006908:Hydroxyprogesterones; D011374:Progesterone