Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis (APD) is characterized by skin rashes whose severity is directly dependant on the phase of the menstrual cycle. It appears at the second half of the menstrual cycle during which the progesterone begins to rise. The rashes subside immediately after menstruation ends.
Cause
The exact cause of autoimmune progesterone dermatitis is unknown. It is believed to be due to an autoimmune reaction to a woman’s own progesterone. The conventional treatment involves the application of topical medications, corticosteroids, and hormones to suppress the secretion of progesterone or in severe cases, removal of ovaries.
It develops during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. It can be confirmed by progesterone intradermal test, which produces skin rashes. The female may develop skin rashes from few days before the menses and it disappears a few days later menses.
Each patient who suffers from autoimmune progesterone dermatitis presents with different skin lesions like erythematic skin lesions, urticaria and contact dermatitis with various clinical manifestations which can often lead to misdiagnosis.
APD is a rare autoimmune disorder due to endogenous or exogenous progesterone. It may be due to a hypersensitivity reaction to endogenous progesterone. It may appear from the first menses (menarche) onwards.
Diagnosis
Skin lesions associated with menses.
Dermatitis develops three to 10 days before menses and remains up to one to two days after stoppage of menses.
Progesterone intradermal test is positive.
Symptoms improve by suppressing the secretion of progesterone and ovulation.
Symptoms
- Hives.
- Erythema multiforme.
- Angioedema.
- Rash like eczema.
- Round erythematic skin lesions.
- Sores in the mouth.
Homeopathic Treatment
Ars, Apis, Sepia, and Psorinum.
