“When Prevention Becomes the Problem’’: A Case Report on Chlorhexidine Mouthwash Hypersensitivity.

Abstract

Chlorhexidine is a widely used antiseptic and disinfectant. Compared to its ubiquitous use in medical and non-medical environments, the sensitization rate seems to be low. 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. With the various routes of chlorhexidine exposure, accidental or recurrent reactions in chlorhexidine-allergic patients have been reported. Therefore, this case report presents the clinical condition of chlorhexidine mouthwash hypersensitivity.