An unusual acute urticarial response following microdermabrasion

BACKGROUND. Microdermabrasion is widely performed in a number of clinical settings, including medical offices, salons, and spas. This procedure is generally regarded as safe and easy to perform. OBJECTIVE. To determine if latex exposure caused an acute urticarial response following microdermabrasion in a latex-allergic patient. METHODS. The patient was prick tested to saline and histamine controls, latex, and sterile medical grade 100 m aluminum oxide crystals that had been passed through the microdermabrader. RESULTS. The strongly positive latex prick test confirmed latex allergy in our patient. Negative prick testing to aluminum oxide crystals that had passed through the microdermabrader make it unlikely that the patient was exposed to latex via this system. CONCLUSION. Physicians need to carefully evaluate patients who are considering microdermabrasion and appreciate that unexpected serious complications can occur.