Cutaneous hypersensitivity to chlorhexidine following facial fat grafting: a delayed intradermal response

Early human evidence such as case series or small samples is exploring possible benefits.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Chlorhexidine (CHD) is commonly included in surgical antiseptics and can be associated with adverse reactions ranging from contact dermatitis to anaphylaxis. A 32-year-old female presented to the OR for facial fat grafting. Surgical sites were prepped with CHD gluconate or topical iodine. Donor and recipient sites were infiltrated with local anesthetic injection prior to fat harvest and facial injection. Eleven days later, she presented with new painful, pruritic rash over donor sites where CHD had been applied prior to local anesthetic infiltration. Treatment with topical clobetasol and prednisone taper resulted in complete symptom resolution. This patient's response most likely represented a delayed type IV, T-cell mediated hypersensitivity. CHD is a known trigger of allergic reactions. Infiltration of local anesthetic may introduce skin prep into the subcutaneous tissue akin to intradermal testing. For those with delayed cutaneous reactions, steroids may provide symptomatic relief.

Evidence level

Early human evidence such as case series or small samples is exploring possible benefits.

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