Abstract: One hundred and seventy-two cases of skin diseases with a history of topical corticosteroid treatment were patch-tested with 0.5% hydrocortisone cream and its base, 0.1% halcinonide cream and its base, clobetasol propionate cream, triamcinolone acetate cream and the standard patch testing series of Beijing Medical University. The positive rate of corticosteroid patch testing was 7.0%,and no positive results were found in controls. Corticosteroids were found to be the fifth most common allergen only next to rubber additives, fragrance-mix, ammoniated mercury and benzocaine. There was no significant difference in the sex or age distribution. The patients with chronic dermatoses such as nummular eczema and stasis dermatitis seem more likely to be allergic tocorticosteroids. The clinical findings of most corticosteroid contact dermatitis are resistance to treatment, but acute contact dermatitis can also occur. Cross sensitization among different corticosteroids and multiple-sensitization are common. No systemic reaction has been found.

Key words: Corticosteroids, Contact dermatitis