Propylene Glycol Struggle – My Allergic Contact Dermatitis Story

User allergic contact dermatitis story submitted on 2/23/16:

“I was diagnosed with my propylene glycol (PG)/polyethylene glycol (PEG) allergy by patch testing in April 2014.  My skin problems, however, go back to June 2013 when I was misdiagnosed with “postmenopausal atrophic vaginitis”.  In reality, I believe I was reacting to an over-the-counter lubricating “warming gel” containing PG that inflamed the sensitive vaginal area.

During a four month period, my ob/gyn prescribed three different topical estrogens for me (Premarin, Estrace, Vagifem), all containing PG or PEG, in an attempt to restore lubrication to the area.  While using the Vagifem tablet (PEG), I began to bleed and an endometrial biopsy was performed.  The results came back negative and I decided to discontinue the estrogen and seek out a new dermatologist to help clear up my red, irritated skin.  This new specialist diagnosed me as having “lichen simplex chronicus” (thickened skin as a result of chronic itching and scratching), even though I told her my skin DID NOT itch and I WAS NOT scratching it!  This dermatologist prescribed a very strong topical steroid compound–Clobetisol Propionate with zinc oxide.  Clobetisol Propionate is another PEG medicine.  Over a four month span, my skin improved very little, but I was told it “takes a while for the steroid to thin out the thickened skin.”

Finally, at the end of February 2014, I suffered a tremendous allergic reaction.  My entire body felt sick and my skin was red and swollen with pus-filled blisters.  This reaction was caused, I later found out, by a mistake by the compounding pharmacy that was making the Clobetisol Propionate compound.  Instead of using the CP OINTMENT, as was prescribed, they used CP CREAM which contained twice as much of the glycols!  Following this allergic reaction, I consulted a new dermatologist who put me on Prednisone and recommended that chemical patch testing be done.  Several weeks later, I was given the NAC-80 (North American 80 Comprehensive Series).  I reacted positively to only PG, nickel and gold.  (Nickel and gold, however, do not give me significant problems).  These results helped me to get my life back again!  Avoiding propylene glycol is a daunting task, but at least I know what I’m dealing with now.  To me, it is unfathomable why doctors would wait so long to recommend patch testing when their treatments are not working.  It is needless suffering for the patient.”

My Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD) Story is a portion of the Dermatitis Academy Blog that highlights real life, user submitted, allergic contact dermatitis journeys in an attempt to provide awareness and encouragement regarding this crippling disease.

For more info on allergic contact dermatitis or how to get tested (patch tested), please visit our home page here.

Infographic by Peter Gust