<p>Chlorhexidine Allergy: Current Challenges and Future Prospects</p>

Abstract

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.

Antimicrobial and Antioxidative Activity of Newly Synthesized Peptides Absorbed into Bacterial Cellulose Carrier against Acne vulgaris

“…Regardless of the numerous positive features of commercial applied antiseptics for wounds, they nonetheless display specific limitations that peptides do not. The application of a common antiseptic agent, chlorhexidine, may cause accidental or recurrent inflammatory and allergic reactions [ 48 ], while the use of polihexanide may display toxic effects to keratinocytes and lead to dermatitis in patients [ 49 ], and wound irrigation with octenidine dihydrochloride may result in severe complications, such as aseptic necrosis and chronic inflammation in penetrating hand wounds [ 50 ]. No such side effects were reported as a result of the studied peptide’s activities, and, additionally, increased microbial tolerance/reduced susceptibility towards chlorhexidine [ 51 ], octenidine [ 52 ] and polihexanide [ 53 ] has already been indicated.…”

Lessons from peculiar cases of anaphylaxis: why allergists should be prepared for the unexpected

“…for performing ultrasound scans) (67). Anaphylaxis (A) to chlorhexidine (a synthetic bisbiguanide antiseptic agent) has been reported particularly in the perioperative and medical procedural settings (68). Rare cases of (A) anaphylaxis have been reported also with the use of anti anaphylaxis agents such as cetirizine and chlorpheniramine (69,70).…”

Consensus statement of the Italian society of pediatric allergy and immunology for the pragmatic management of children and adolescents with allergic or immunological diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Contact delayed reactions like dermatitis can be provoked by its frequent use [35]. Moreover, chlorhexidine can cause immediate systemic reactions such as anaphylaxis [36]. Higher concentrations of chlorhexidine irritate the skin and increase the risk of sensitization [37].…”