ABSTRACT
The relevance of the positive patch tests was mentioned, so it is unclear how many were cross-reactions to other corticosteroids. In a joint study performed in Belgium and The Netherlands in 1991, a prevalence of sensitization of 0.4% was found in The Netherlands with both test materials used. In Belgium, 0.5% alcohol scored 1% positive reactions and alclometasone dipropionate 1% pet. In Finland, in a more strictly selected population, 15% of 34 individuals had positive patch test reactions to alclometasone dipropionate 0.5% and/or 0.05% alc. In this group of 315 CS allergic patients, 57 had positive patch tests to alclometasone dipropionate 0.5% alc. It is unknown how many of these reactions were caused by the use of a pharmaceutical product containing alclometasone dipropionate and how many were cross-reactions to other corticosteroids. In Sydney, Australia, from 1988 to 1994, 19 cases of corticosteroid allergy were diagnosed, including 7 to alclometasone dipropionate.
