Allergic reaction to chlorhexidine in an anaesthetised patient

Abstract

This patient presented the clinical picture of a severe allergic response after 30 minutes of stable anaesthesia. Subsequent intradermal testing exonerated the anaesthetic drugs but not the chlorhexidine. It would appear that the Bactigras dressing was responsible for this patient's reaction and the chlorhexidine, being the main constituent was probably the likely agent concerned. This is further confirmed by the intradermal testing. This case is presented as a warning that dressings used on a donor area may be a source of allergic reaction in circumstances when a large area of the donor site may be in contact with the dressing.