Since my stage 4 diagnosis 2 years ago I've developed an allergy to contact with chlorhexidine and I believe it is somehow related to one of my treatment protocols and am hoping to see if others have experienced same.
Chlorhexidine is an antibacterial in products like Surgiprep and Hibiclens and even gym wipes as well as mouthwash at the dentist. The allergic reaction ranges from severe contact dermatitis to anaphalactic shock. It's a rare allergy but a severe one requiring epi-pens, medical tags, etc.
Since my stage 4 diagnosis 2 years ago I've developed an allergy to contact with chlorhexidine and I believe it is somehow related to one of my treatment protocols and am hoping to see if others have experienced same.
Chlorhexidine is an antibacterial in products like Surgiprep and Hibiclens and even gym wipes as well as mouthwash at the dentist. The allergic reaction ranges from severe contact dermatitis to anaphalactic shock. It's a rare allergy but a severe one requiring epi-pens, medical tags, etc.
I've never had an allergy before I had treatment and the way chlorhexidine works seems to be somewhat related to melanoma treatment, but I cannot find solid evidence connecting the two.
I've had biochemo and TIL (t-cell therapy) at MD Anderson before I developed it and am currently in BRAF&MEK clinical trial at Moffit.
The first time I had a reaction was a cleaning kit for PICC line, second time was a surgery prep and last time was said gym wipes.
This may have nothing to do with melanoma treatments and be a one-off, but it is a pretty severe allergy so if anyone has also developed it we may be able to spread the word.
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