LAUSR

Chlorhexidine allergy was significantly associated with leg dermatitis and age in individuals older than 40 years, which is in line with previous findings. Despite the generalized use of chlorhexidine, the frequency of contact sensitization does not seem to be increasing. A contact allergy rate between 0.5% and 2% has been described in different studies. Our inferior value may be related to the use of the gluconate salt only, which has shown less frequent reactions in a Danish study. Using test concentrations of 0.5% aq. (instead of the previously used 1% concentration) has also been associated with a decrease in the number of positive patch tests, although the optimal test concentration remains unknown. In conclusion, this 12-year study supports the low contact sensitization rate to chlorhexidine, which, therefore, may not have a place in the EBS. Attention should be directed mainly to leg dermatitis, without forgetting the possible relation with cosmetics that was not found in the present study.