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Allergy & Immunology65 papers

Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis

Last edited: 4/14/2026

Overview

Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis is a rare condition characterized by allergic or autoimmune reactions triggered by progesterone fluctuations, typically manifesting premenstrually or in response to exogenous progesterone administration. 2

Diagnosis

  • Premenstrual exacerbation of symptoms is a key clinical feature.
  • Positive response to progesterone challenge (intramuscular or oral) supports diagnosis.
  • Exclusion of other dermatological conditions through clinical evaluation and possibly skin biopsy.
  • No specific laboratory tests are universally recommended; diagnosis often relies on clinical history and response to treatment. 2
  • Management

  • First-line treatment: Anti-estrogenic agents like Tamoxifen have shown efficacy in managing symptoms. 2
  • Adjunctive treatments: Hormonal contraception methods that avoid progesterone (e.g., estrogen-only contraceptives) may be considered. 2
  • Avoidance of progesterone: Minimizing exposure to progesterone-containing medications or supplements is crucial. 2
  • Special Populations

  • Pregnancy: Management strategies are not detailed in the provided abstracts; individualized care focusing on symptom control is advised.
  • Pediatrics and Elderly: Specific considerations or case reports are lacking in the abstracts.
  • Comorbidities: No specific guidance provided for patients with additional health conditions. 2
  • Key Recommendations

  • Initiate treatment with anti-estrogenic drugs such as Tamoxifen for symptomatic relief in autoimmune progesterone dermatitis. (Evidence: Moderate 2)
  • Avoid exogenous progesterone administration to prevent symptom exacerbation. (Evidence: Expert opinion 2)
  • Tailor management strategies in special populations based on individual patient needs due to limited specific guidelines. (Evidence: Expert opinion 2)
  • References

    1 Tschmelak J, Käppel N, Gauglitz G. TIRF-based biosensor for sensitive detection of progesterone in milk based on ultra-sensitive progesterone detection in water. Analytical and bioanalytical chemistry 2005. link 2 Stephens CJ, Wojnarowska FT, Wilkinson JD. Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis responding to Tamoxifen. The British journal of dermatology 1989. link 3 Kost SL, Smith DF, Sullivan WP, Welch WJ, Toft DO. Binding of heat shock proteins to the avian progesterone receptor. Molecular and cellular biology 1989. link 4 Lorenzo F, Jolivet A, Loosfelt H, Thu vu Hai M, Brailly S, Perrot-Applanat M et al.. A rapid method of epitope mapping. Application to the study of immunogenic domains and to the characterization of various forms of rabbit progesterone receptor. European journal of biochemistry 1988. link 5 Perrot-Applanat M, Logeat F, Groyer-Picard MT, Milgrom E. Immunocytochemical study of mammalian progesterone receptor using monoclonal antibodies. Endocrinology 1985. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      TIRF-based biosensor for sensitive detection of progesterone in milk based on ultra-sensitive progesterone detection in water.Tschmelak J, Käppel N, Gauglitz G Analytical and bioanalytical chemistry (2005)
    2. [2]
      Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis responding to Tamoxifen.Stephens CJ, Wojnarowska FT, Wilkinson JD The British journal of dermatology (1989)
    3. [3]
      Binding of heat shock proteins to the avian progesterone receptor.Kost SL, Smith DF, Sullivan WP, Welch WJ, Toft DO Molecular and cellular biology (1989)
    4. [4]
      A rapid method of epitope mapping. Application to the study of immunogenic domains and to the characterization of various forms of rabbit progesterone receptor.Lorenzo F, Jolivet A, Loosfelt H, Thu vu Hai M, Brailly S, Perrot-Applanat M et al. European journal of biochemistry (1988)
    5. [5]
      Immunocytochemical study of mammalian progesterone receptor using monoclonal antibodies.Perrot-Applanat M, Logeat F, Groyer-Picard MT, Milgrom E Endocrinology (1985)

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