An unusual complication of late onset allergic contact dermatitis to povidone-iodine in oral and maxillofacial surgery

Conclusion Povidone-iodine is the most commonly used antiseptic solution prior to surgery. However, allergic contact dermatitis due to PVP-I has not been extensively documented or reported and hence underevaluated compared to other commonly encountered allergens. There is almost general agreement to the proposition that PVP-I is a very rare sensitizer (Brandao et al., Textbook of contact dermatitis, 3rd ed, pp. 687–723, 2001; Marks et al., Contact and occupational dermatology, 3rd ed, 2002) although there have been some conflicting reports on the matter. However, sometimes when prolonged skin contact with PVP-I occurs when used as a preoperative antiseptic agent it can cause allergic dermatitis (Velázquez et al., Contact Dermat 60:348–349, 2009; Lachapelle et al., Contact Dermat 52:9–10, 2005). Does this finding make preoperative testing for allergies to PVP-1 necessary in all patients? A point to consider.
Source: International Journal of Stomatology and Occlusion Medicine - Category: Dentistry Source Type: research