Open Access<p>Chlorhexidine Allergy: Current Challenges and Future Prospects</p>
Author(s) -
Chirawat Chiewchalermsri,
Mongkhon Sompornrattanaphan,
Chamard Wongsa,
Torpong Thongngarm
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of asthma and allergy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.162
H-Index - 30
ISSN - 1178-6965
DOI - 10.2147/jaa.s207980
Subject(s) - chlorhexidine , medicine , antiseptic , anaphylaxis , allergy , intensive care medicine , perioperative , dermatology , dentistry , anesthesia , immunology , pathology
Chlorhexidine is a synthetic bisbiguanide antiseptic and was introduced in healthcare use in 1954. Allergy to chlorhexidine has been increasingly reported particularly in the perioperative and medical procedural settings. The hypersensitivity reactions range from mild cutaneous reactions to anaphylaxis or death. There are many products and medical devices containing chlorhexidine that sometimes lack standardized labeling. With the various routes of chlorhexidine exposure, accidental or recurrent reactions in chlorhexidine-allergic patients have been reported. Therefore, we aim to review the most recent evidence in clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, management, and preventive measures with a focus on the unique features of chlorhexidine allergy.