Chlorhexidine is a widely used and effective antiseptic agent. Although skin contact is usually well tolerated, it may cause both immediate and delayed hypersensitivity reactions. We report a case of immediate hypersensitivity to chlorhexidine causing both skin and respiratory symptoms following occupational exposure to chlorhexidine in a health-care worker.
Keywords: chlorhexidine; health care; immediate hypersensitivity; type I hypersensitivity.
© 2017 The Australasian College of Dermatologists.