ABSTRACT
Objective: This study sought to determine through patch testing the ten most common allergens among patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and thus, provide dermatologists with a useful guide in patient evaluation and counseling regarding the avoidance of triggering factors that perpetuate their allergic skin problemsDesign: An observational desriptive studySetting: Tertiary government hospitalPatients: A total of 119 patients who presented with skin lesions at the outpatient section of the JRRMMC Dermatology Department from July 1991-June 1995 were patch tested. From these, 80 patients diagnosed to have ACD were given emphasis in the final analysis and evaluationResults: Of the total 119 patients patch tested during this 4-year time period, 80 patients (67.22%) were clinically diagnosed to have allergic contact dermatitis. The sites of dermatitis commonly affected in this group were the feet, the hands and the arms. the ten most common skin sensitizers identified among these patients were as folows: fragrance mix, nickel sulfate, potassium dichromate and thiurum mix-both at third, p-phenylenediamine, cinnamic aldehyde, balsam of Peru, epoxy resin and paraben mix-both at seventh, carba rubber mix, bronopol and 2-mercaptobenzothiazole both at ninth, wool alcohol and mercapto-mix sharing the tenth place. It is interesting to note that the top five allergens in this group share similar ranking to that which figured prominently among patients who exhibited various kinds of dermatitidesConclusions: As the result of rapid industrialization, the incidence of ACD has risen to the leaping proportion in the last two decades. Definite cure is obtained primarily by avoidance of the specific allergen(s). These are best indentified through patch testing. By undertaking this study, the authors hope to provide some local statistics on the most common skin sensitizers causing the ACD and therefore, place physicians and dermatologists in particular, in a better position to give their patients sound advice regarding the avoidance of tigerring factors that can readily perpetuate their skin problems.(Author)