ABSTRACT
Objective: to determine the frequency of allergic contact dermatitis in patients with hand eczema by using patch test
Material and Methods: this was a descriptive case study conducted at the Department of Dermatology, SIMS/Services Hospital, Lahore. Fifty patients with the clinical suspicion of allergic contact dermatitis of hand, aged 12 years and above of either sex were enrolled. Patients with active eczema, using oral corticosteroids and other immune-suppressive drugs as well as pregnant females were excluded from the study. The allergens used were from European Standard Series, from corticosteroid and cutaneous drug reaction series
Results: there were 50 patients, 25 males and 25 females. Their age ranged from 16 to 66 years, Mean duration of disease was 3 years. Regarding occupation there were 15 house-wives, 7 masons, 7 shopkeepers, 4 factory workers, 4 students, 4 teachers, 3 doctors and others. A personal or family history of atopy was seen in 2 [4%] patients. Thirty patients [60%] reacted positively to various allergens, 14 [28%] patients to fragrance mix, 8 [16%] to potassium dichromate, 7 [14%] patients to nickel sulphate, 7 [14%] patients to paraben mix, 6 [12%] patients to phenylenediamine, 5 [10%] patients to cobalt chloride, 4 [8%] patients to mercapto mix and 4[8%] patients to propylene glycol and others
Conclusion: patients with hand eczema should be subjected to patch test with various allergens determine its cause and measures taken to avoid them