Estrogen dermatitis: a dendritic-cell-mediated allergic condition.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Most estrogen dermatitides are induced by local or systemic contact dermatitis where dendritic cells are central, and tamoxifen has a blocking effect on dendritic cells.

METHODS:

We present 5 cases of estrogen dermatitis in which the clinical features were prurigo, urticaria, acneiform eruption and annular erythema.

RESULTS:

Tamoxifen was effective in 3 of 4 cases. Three of 4 biopsy specimens showed the formation of Langerhans cell nests in the epidermis and hair follicles and perivascular infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes in the dermis.

CONCLUSION:

These results suggest that a dendritic-cell-mediated allergic mechanism is involved in estrogen dermatitis.

• Authors: Shinichi Yotsumoto, Koji Shimomai, Takaki Hashiguchi, Hiroshi Uchimiya, Kazunari Usuki, Masayuki Nishi, Takuro Kanekura, Tamotsu Kanzaki
• Journal: Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland) (Dermatology) Vol. 207 Issue 3 Pg. 265-8 ( 2003) ISSN: 1018-8665 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 14571068 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel

Chemical References

• Allergens
• Estrogens
• Tamoxifen

Topics

• Adult
• Allergens
• Antigen-Presenting Cells (immunology)
• Biopsy, Needle
• Dendritic Cells (immunology)
• Dermatitis (drug therapy, etiology, pathology)
• Estrogens (adverse effects, metabolism)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Immunohistochemistry
• Patch Tests
• Recurrence
• Risk Assessment
• Sampling Studies
• Severity of Illness Index
• Tamoxifen (therapeutic use)
• Treatment Outcome