ABSTRACT
To determine the frequency of allergic contact dermatitis in patients with hand eczema by patch testing with European standard and corticosteroid series. One hundred and five patients of either sex having hand eczema, aged 12 years or above were enrolled in the study from dermatology outdoor department. After taking informed consent, patch test was performed a fortnight after complete resolution of signs and symptoms of eczema and after complete withdrawal of the drugs. Patch testing was done with European standard and corticosteroid series. Readings were taken 48, 72 and 120 hours after patches removal. Patch test reactions were graded according to international contact dermatitis research group criteria. Data was analyzed according to age, sex and percentages of positive patch test results. Allergic reaction was recorded in 48.6% of patients with European standard series and 11.4% of patients with corticosteroid series. Common allergens detected with European standard series were potassium dichromate [21%], cobalt chloride [12%] and nickel sulphate [12%]. Common allergens detected with corticosteroid series were tixocortol-21-pivalate [8.6%] and hydrocortisone-17-butyrate [4.76%]. Almost half [48.6%] of the patients showed allergic reaction with European standard series and 11.4% of the cases gave positive results with corticosteroid series. Patch test needs to be performed with corticosteroid and European standard series in patients with hand eczema not responding to therapy.