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Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis
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Overview
Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis (APD) is a rare condition characterized by a cyclic skin rash which develops premenstrually in women. The condition usually occurs in adulthood after the start of periods (menarche), and rarely during pregnancy or postmenopause.[1] Signs and symptoms vary among affected individuals; skin findings that have been reported include hives, erythema multiforme, papulovesicles (an eczema-like rash), annular erythema, angiodema, mouth erosions and pruritus (itching).[1][2] The rash typically begins a few days before menses and subsides around the time menstruation begins, recurring at the next cycle.[2] The exact cause is unknown, but is thought to involve a hypersensitivity reaction to a woman's own progesterone.[3] Depending on the severity, treatment may include topical medications, systemic corticosteroids, hormone therapy to inhibit the production of progesterone, or surgical removal of the ovaries.[2]
References
- TuEgba Oskay, Lale Kutluay, Asli Kaptanocglu, Onur Karabacak. Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis. European Journal of Dermatology. November-December 2002.
- Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis. DermNet NZ. http://dermnetnz.org/reactions/progesterone-dermatitis.html. Accessed January 6, 2011.
- Tami Maguire. Autoimmune Progesterone Dermatitis. Dermatology Nursing. 2009. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/712365. Accessed January 9, 2012.
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General Information
- DermNet NZ is an online resource about skin diseases developed by the New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated. DermNet NZ provides information about this condition. Click on the link to view the information.
- Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. Click on the link to view this information. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
- PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.