Evaluation of patch test results in patients with contact dermatitis

• Main Authors: Yavuz Yeşilova, Derya Uçmak, Bilal Sula
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dicle University Medical School 2011-12-01
• Series: Dicle Medical Journal
• Subjects: Contact dermatitis; patch test; nickel sulphate
• Online Access: http://www.dicle.edu.tr/fakulte/tip/dergi/yayin/384/16.pdf

Objectives: Patch test is the most reliable method to diagnose allergic contact dermatitis and to find out the responsible contact allergen. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the patch test results of patients with contact dermatitis in our region.Materials and methods: One Hundred fifty patients (84 female and 66 male) with contact dermatitis were patch tested with European standard test series. The testing has been standardized by the international Contact Dermatitis Research Group (ICDRG).Results: A majority of the lesions (36%) were localized on the hands. In 31 female (58,4%) and 21 male (4,6%) patients (a total of 72 patients) there were positive allergic reactions to at least one chemical. Nickel sulphate (13,3%), potassium dichromate (11,3%) and cobalt chloride (8,6%) were the most often allergens reacted.Conclusion: Nickel sensitivity is more common. Comparing with healthy controls contact sensitization may be more prevalent in patients with contact dermatitis.