Frequency of positive patch tests to nickel in patients suspected of metal contact dermatitis

Objective: to determine the frequency of positive patch tests for nickel in patients suspected of household and occupational metal contact dermatitis

Methods: this was a cross-sectional analytical study carried out in the outpatient department of dermatology unit-II, Mayo Hospital, Lahore. A total of 50 patients were inducted in the study with ages 12 and above and either sex, who were suspected of metal contact dermatitis. The patients were patch tested with the allergen nickel sulphate hexahydrate 5% in petrolatum base from the European standard series

Results: in this study, out of 50 patients, 62% of the patients positively tested for nickel sulphate out of which 38% of the patients showed a strong positive reaction. Only 12% showed a weak positive reaction whereas 12% patients exhibited an extreme positive reaction. Most patients were females i.e. 46 out of 50. The most commonly affected age group was 21 to 30 years. Most patients belonged to middle class. Housewives and students were most commonly affected. Most frequent symptoms encountered were itching 84%, burning 48%, redness 42% and oozing 36%. The dermatitis aggravated in most patients' due to hyperhidrosis and wet work

Conclusion: nickel sulphate is a common allergen in patients suspected of metal contact dermatitis. Nickel contact dermatitis is a very common problem prevalent in our community and the cultural trend towards artificial jewelry predisposes our community to risk

Comparison of efficacy and safety of topical 0.1% tacrolimus ointment versus 0.1% mometasone furoate ointment in mild to moderate chronic hand eczema

Objectives: to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of 0.1% tacrolimus ointment versus mometasone furoate 0.1% ointment in mild to moderate chronic hand eczema

Methods: it was a randomized control trial carried out in dermatology department unit-II, KEMU/ Mayo Hospital, Lahore. Patients with mild to moderate chronic hand eczema were enrolled with age range between 18-70 years, of either sex. We randomized the patients in two groups A and B by balloting. Group A used tacrolimus 0.1% ointment twice daily for 6 weeks. Group B used mometasone furoate 0.1% ointment twice daily for 6 weeks. The data were collected and analyzed by SPSS version 18 and p-value <0.05 was taken as significant

Results: the study was completed by 102 patients, with 51 in each group, with mean age of 32 years and majority were married females. Both the treatment options were found to be equally efficacious with PGA Score showing significant p value at the end of study [p-value = 0.042]. The side effects noted were itching and irritation. Irritation was observed in both treatment groups but did not lead to discontinuation of the treatment, as it was transient. This complaint was seen more among the Group A patients

Conclusion: it is concluded from our study that 0.1% tacrolimus ointment and 0.1% mometasone furoate ointment are equally efficacious and safe in the treatment of mild to moderate chronic hand eczema