High rate of sensitization to Kathon CG, detected by patch tests in patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis

Abstract Background: Kathon CG, a combination of methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone, is widely used as preservative in cosmetics, as well in household cleaning products, industrial products such as paints and glues. It has emerged as an important sensitizing agent in allergic contact dermatitis. Objectives: This study evaluated the reactivity to this substance in patients subjected to patch tests at the Dermatology Institute in Bauru, São Paulo from 2015 to 2017 and its correlation with other preservatives, the professional activity and location of the lesions. Methods: The patients were submitted to standard series of epicutaneous tests, standardized by the Brazilian Group Studies on Contact Dermatitis. Results: Out the 267 patients tested, 192 presented positivity to at least one substance and 29 of the patients (15.10%) presented reaction to Kathon CG, with predominance of the female gender (n = 27); main professional activity associated with Kathon CG sensibilization was cleaning (17.24%), followed by aesthetic areas (13.79%) and health care (10.34%). The most prevalent sensitizations among the substances tested were nickel sulphate (56.3%), followed by cobalt chloride (23.4%), neomycin (18.2%), potassium dichromate (17.7%), thimerosal (14.5%), formaldehyde (13.2%), paraphenylenediamine (9.3%), and fragrance mix (8.3%). Study limitations: We do not have data from patients that were submitted to patch test a decade ago in order to confront to current data and establish whether or no sensitization to Kathon CG has increased. Conclusion: High positivity to Kathon CG corroborates the recent findings in the literature, suggesting more attention to concentration of this substance, used in cosmetics and products for domestic use.

Dermatitis de contacto fotoalérgica y test de fotoparches: revisión de la literatura y aplicación de la técnica en clínica alemana de Santiago / Photoallergic contact dermatitis and test photopatches: literature review and application of the technique at clínica alemana de Santiago

Las fotodermatosis son un conjunto de patologías cutáneas originadas o agravadas por exposición a radiación ya sea solar o artificial. Se clasifican en cuatro categorías: 1. Idiopáticas o mediadas inmunológicamente 2. Dermatosis fotoagravadas, 3. Fotosensibilidad inducida por agentes y 4. Trastornos por reparación defectuosa del ADN. La fotosensibilidad inducida por agentes consiste en reacciones secundarias a la exposición de ciertos químicos, llamados fotosensibilizadores y a distintos tipos de radiación lumínica. Los fotosensibilizadores pueden ser de origen endógeno o exógeno, aquellos exógenos provienen desde el ambiente, fármacos u otros productos (tanto sistémicos como tópicos), los cuales sufren modificaciones estructurales al entrar en contacto con radiación, provocando como consecuencia, distintas manifestaciones cutáneas. En este artículo se revisarán principalmente las reacciones fototóxicas y fotoalérgicas (ambas, reacciones de fotosensibilidad inducidas por agentes exógenos) indagando en sus diferencias y el enfrentamiento clínico de cada una. También, se revisarán los exámenes que permiten estudiar los distintos diagnósticos diferenciales, especialmente el test de fotoparches, el cual está cobrando cada vez más importancia en la práctica clínica.

Photodermatoses are a group of skin diseases induced or aggravated by exposure to radiation, whether solar or artificial. They are classified into four general categories: 1. Idiopathic or immunologically mediated photodermatoses 2. Photoexacerbated dermatoses 3. Agent induced photosensitivity 4. DNA repair defects Photosensitivity induced by agents are secondary reactions to the exposure to some chemicals, called photosensitizers, and to different types of light radiation. Photosensitizers can be classified as exogenous or endogenous. Exogenous agents come from the environment, drugs or other products (both systemic and topical), which undergo structural changes when they come into contact with radiation, causing different skin manifestations as consequence. Differences between phototoxic and photoallergic reactions (both photosensitivity reactions induced by exogenous agents), the clinical approach of each one of them, and available tests that are used to make a diagnosis, especially, photo patch test will be reviewed in this article

Positive results of patch tests with fragrance markers: analysis of a 15-year period at a Brazilian dermatology center

Abstract: Fragrances may cause allergic contact dermatitis. Data on patients who were patch tested, between 2000 and 2015, with fragrance allergens included in the Brazilian baseline series (balsam of Peru, colophony and fragrance mix I), were collected and analyzed. Of these patients, 258 (13.8%) were positive for fragrance markers, 9.8% being positive for fragrance mix I. Among these 258 there was a predominance of women in their 40s, with hand eczema. The frequency of sensitization to fragrances, as well as the epidemiological profile, was supported by the literature. Fragrance mix I was the main marker. It is important to expand the fragrance markers used in the Brazilian baseline series of patch tests.

Fixed drug eruption by etoricoxib confirmed by patch test

Abstract: Non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs, followed by antibiotics, are the main causes of fixed drug eruption. They provoke one or several round erythematous or bullous lesions that recur in the same place after taking the causative medication. A positive patch test on residual, lesional skin can replace satisfactorily oral reintroduction. We describe the case of a 74-year-old woman with numerous, rounded, erythematous lesions on the trunk and recurrent blistering on the fifth right-hand finger, which developed a few hours after taking etoricoxib. Lesional patch testing with etoricoxib was positive and reproduced the typical pattern of a fixed drug eruption upon histopathology. We emphasize the specific reactivity of the etoricoxib patch test, and the capacity to reproduce the histologic pattern of the reaction.

Evaluation of dental material series from patients with dental prostheses and suspicion of delayed hypersensitivity

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Patients with oral sensitivity are common in our practice. Allergic contact dermatitis is one of the most frequent etiologies. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate oral contact dermatitis using the Brazilian standard series and complementary dental series in patients using dental prostheses, with or without oral complaints. Determine specific dental Brazilian series. METHODS: Patients using dental prostheses with or without oral complaints realized patch tests. Brazilian standard series and complementary dental series were used according to ICDRG recommendations. The results were analysed according to age, sex, race, atopic conditions and symptoms associated. RESULTS: From 54 patients tested, 34 (63%) were positive at least to one substance. Nineteen had oral complaints, such as burning mouth, itch or oral erythema. There was no association between atopic condition and tests results. Without the oral series, just 23(42,6%) patients had a positive result. Using the Brazilian standard series with the complementary dental series we improved the positivity of the patch test to 47%. CONCLUSION: In patients using prostheses and with oral complaints, patch tests with Brazilian standard series with complementary dental series improve the tests positivity.

Patch-test results in children and adolescents: systematic review of a 15-year period

Abstract The number of studies on patch-test results in children and adolescents has gradually increased in recent years, thus stimulating reviews. This paper is a systematic review of a 15-year period devoted to studying the issue. Variations pertaining to the number and age groups of tested children and/or adolescents, the number of subjects with atopy/atopic dermatitis history, the quantity, type and concentrations of the tested substances, the test technique and type of data regarding clinical relevance, must all be considered in evaluating these studies, as they make it harder to formulate conclusions. The most common allergens in children were nickel, thimerosal, cobalt, fragrance, lanolin and neomycin. In adolescents, they were nickel, thimerosal, cobalt, fragrance, potassium dichromate, and Myroxylon pereirae. Knowledge of this matter aids health professionals in planning preventive programs aimed at improving children's quality of life and ensuring that their future prospects are not undermined.

Patch test results in children and adolescents. Study from the Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte Dermatology Clinic, Brazil, from 2003 to 2010

AbstractBACKGROUND:Patch testing is an efficient method to identify the allergen responsible for allergic contact dermatitis.OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the results of patch tests in children and adolescents comparing these two age groups' results.METHODS:Cross-sectional study to assess patch test results of 125 children and adolescents aged 1-19 years, with suspected allergic contact dermatitis, in a dermatology clinic in Brazil. Two Brazilian standardized series were used.RESULTS:Seventy four (59.2%) patients had "at least one positive reaction" to the patch test. Among these positive tests, 77.0% were deemed relevant. The most frequent allergens were nickel (36.8%), thimerosal (18.4%), tosylamide formaldehyde resin (6.8%), neomycin (6.4%), cobalt (4.0%) and fragrance mix I (4.0%). The most frequent positive tests came from adolescents (p=0.0014) and females (p=0.0002). There was no relevant statistical difference concerning contact sensitizations among patients with or without atopic history. However, there were significant differences regarding sensitization to nickel (p=0.029) and thimerosal (p=0.042) between the two age groups under study, while adolescents were the most affected.CONCLUSION:Nickel and fragrances were the only positive (and relevant) allergens in children. Nickel and tosylamide formaldehyde resin were the most frequent and relevant allergens among adolescents.

Performance of a commercially available plant allergen series in the assessment of suspected occupational contact dermatitis to plants in north Indian patients.

Background: Parthenium hysterophorus is the leading cause of phytogenic allergic contact dermatitis in India. The Indian Standard Series currently supplied by Systopic Laboratories Ltd and manufactured by Chemotechnique Diagnostics® contains parthenolide as the only allergen representing plant allergens. Aim: The study was conducted to assess the performance of the Chemotechnique plant series (PL-1000), consisting of 14 allergens, in patients with clinically suspected occupational contact dermatitis to plant allergens. Methods: Ninety patients were patch tested with the Chemotechnique plant series from 2011 to 2013. Demographic details, clinical diagnosis and patch test results were recorded in the contact dermatitis clinic proforma. Results: Of 90 patients, 24 (26.7%) showed positive reactions to one or more allergens in the plant series. Positive patch tests were elicited most commonly by sesquiterpene lactone mix in 19 (78.6%) patients, followed by parthenolide in 14 (57.1%), Achillea millefolium in 10 (42.9%) and others in decreasing order. Conclusion: The plant allergen series prepared by Chemotechnique Diagnostics® is possibly not optimal for diagnosing suspected allergic contact dermatitis to plants in north Indians. Sesquiterpene lactone mix should replace parthenolide as the plant allergen in the Indian Standard Series until relevant native plant extracts are commercially available for patch testing.

Identidade do homem resiliente no contexto de adoecer por câncer de próstata: uma perspectiva cultural / Identity of the resilient man in the context of ill with prostate cancer: a cultural perspective / Identidad del hombre resiliente en el contexto al enfermar por cáncer de próstata: una perspectiva cultural

O estudo objetivou conhecer o contexto do homem resiliente ao adoecer por câncer de próstata. Trata-se de um estudo de caso etnográfico realizado com dois homens sobreviventes ao câncer de próstata, com alto grau de resiliência. Os dados foram coletados no domicílio, no período de abril e maio de 2012, por meio da entrevista semiestruturada em profundidade, de observação participante e do ecomapa. Pela análise dos dados construíram-se duas unidades de sentido: "Identidade do homem resiliente: contextualizando os informantes" e "O homem resiliente descobrindo-se doente". Apreende-se que a identidade de ser homem resiliente, para estes informantes, foi marcada pela diferença histórica e cultural que permeou as suas ações, no processo de adoecimento por câncer de próstata. Considera-se importante que os enfermeiros atentem para os aspectos culturais da saúde do homem, para que este possa sentir-se parte integrante do processo de cura, tornando-se sujeito ativo frente à própria saúde.

The study aimed to understand the context of resilient man when ill with prostate cancer. This is an ethnographic case study conducted with two prostate cancer survival men with a high degree of resilience. The data was collected on their places, in 2012 April and May, using semi-structured in-depth interviews, participant observation and ecomap. For the data analysis, it was built two units of meaning: "Identity of the resilient man: contextualizing the informants" and "The resilient man finding himself ill". It was noticed that the identity of being a resilient man, to these informants, was marked by historical and cultural difference which permeated their actions in the process of being ill with prostate cancer. It is important that nurses pay attention to the cultural aspects of human health, so that they can feel part of the healing process, becoming an active subject facing their own health.

El estudio enfocó conocer el contexto del hombre resiliente al enfermar por cáncer de próstata. Se trata de un estudio de caso etnográfico realizado con dos hombres sobrevivientes al cáncer de próstata con alto grado de resiliencia. Los datos fueron recogidos en el domicilio, en el período de abril y mayo de 2012, por medio de entrevista semiestructurada en profundidad, observación participante y ecomapa. Por el análisis de los datos, se construyeron dos unidades de sentido: "Identidad del hombre resiliente: contextualizando a los informantes" y "El hombre resiliente descubriéndose enfermo". Se comprende que la identidad de ser hombre resiliente, para estos informantes, fue marcada por la diferencia histórica y cultural que hicieron permeables sus acciones en el proceso de enfermar por cáncer de próstata. Se considera importante que los enfermeros estén atentos a los aspectos culturales de la salud del hombre, para que este se pueda sentir parte integrante del proceso de cura, tornándose sujeto activo frente a la propia salud.

Dermatitis de contacto alérgica secundaria a implantes ortopédicos metálicos. A propósito de un caso clínico / Contact dermatitis secondary to metallic implants

La Dermatitis de Contacto secundaria a metales tiene una alta prevalencia en Chile y el mundo, sin embargo estas reacciones han sido poco estudiadas, pese a que podrían verse hasta en un21 por ciento de personas previamente sensibilizadas. Níquel, Cobalto y Cromo son los metales mayormente implicados. La mayoría corresponde a reacciones eccematosas. Test de parche es el gold standard para el estudio de alergia a metales, no obstante, rara vez se utiliza debido principalmente al bajo índice de sospecha de estas reacciones y a la dificultad para disponer de la aleación exacta del metal utilizado. El tratamiento muchas veces consiste en retirar el implante, puesto que el cuadro se torna inmanejable. Se presenta un caso clínico altamente sospechoso de alergia a implantes metálicos, al que se le realizó el estudio completo de alergia a metales, si bien esta no se demostró. Se realiza una revisión de la literatura existente.

Contact dermatitis secondary to metals has a high prevalence in Chile and around the world. Nevertheless, these reactions have been slightly studied, even though they might be found inpreviously sensitized people, with a percentage of 21 percent. Nickel, cobalt and chromium are the most involved metals. The majority of them correspond to eczematous reactions. Patch test is the gold standard for the study of metal allergies; however, specific tests to the implant material are rarely performed, mainly because of the low index of suspicion for these reactions and the difficulty to have the exact alloy of the metal used. Treatment often consists on removing the implant, since the situation becomes unmanageable. A highly suspicious clinical case of allergy to metallic implants is presented, a complete study of allergy to metals was made, although it couldn’t be demonstrated. A review of the existing literature was conducted.

Test de Parche como método diagnóstico de las reacciones adversas a medicamentos / Patch test as a diagnostic method for adverse drug reactions

Las reacciones adversas a medicamentos (RAM) son un motivo frecuente de consulta en la práctica dermatológica. La hipersensibilidad a fármacos es una causa común de RAM, y es de gran relevancia confirmar este mecanismo para que el paciente evite futuras exposiciones. El test de parche tiene un rol relevante en el proceso diagnóstico de las reacciones de hipersensibilidad no inmediatas, otros test como la intradermorreacción o el test de provocación son más invasivos o de alto riesgo, y los exámenes in vitro para reacciones tardías no se encuentran fácilmente disponibles. El problema es que existe escasa estandarización del procedimiento y el valor predictivo del examen es incierto. En esta revisión exponemos la mejor evidencia disponible, lo que permitirá al especialista decidir cuándo hacer este examen y cómo interpretar sus resultados.

Adverse drugs reactions (ADR) are a frequent diagnosis in dermatological practice. Drug hypersensitivity is a common ADR etiology, and it is greatly relevant to confirm this mechanism to avoid future exposures of the patient to the culprit drug. Patch test has an outstanding role in non-immediate hypersensitivity reactions diagnosis process, other tests like intradermal reaction or provocation test are more aggressive or implies more risk, and in-vitro test for non-inmediate reactions are not easily available. One of the main problems of patch test is the lack of standarization of the procedure and the uncertain predictive value. In this review is exposed the best evidence available, so the specialist could decide when to do the test and how interpret its results.

Dermatitis alérgica de contacto por cosméticos en un consultorio alergoinmunologico / Allergic dermatitis of contact by cosmetics in a alego-immunological doctor`s office

La dermatitis de contacto (DC) es una respuesta inflamatoria de la piel, como resultado del contacto de la misma con múltiples factores externos, frecuentemente contenidos en cosméticos. Las pruebas del parche son el pilar diagnostico. Se evaluó la prevalencia de la dermatitis alérgica de contacto por cosméticos, determinando las relaciones epidemiológicas como: edad, sexo, localización, ocupación y sensibilización. El 70% de los pacientes estudiados fueron DAC y el 30% fuerondermatitis irritativas por contacto (DIC). El 57% de las dermatitis alérgicas estaban asociadas a cosméticos,predominando en el sexo femenino.

Contact dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory response of the skinas a result of contact with multiple external factors, often containedin cosmetics. Patch tests are the diagnostic pillar. Prevalence of allergic contact dermatitis to cosmetics was evaluatedby determining the epidemiological relationships as age, sex, location, occupation and awareness.70% of the patients studied were DAC and 30% were irritant contact dermatitis (ICD).57% of allergic dermatitis were associated with cosmetics, predominantly in females.

Patch tests / Testes de contato

Patch tests were introduced as a diagnostic tool in the late nineteenth century. Since then, they have improved considerably becoming what they are today. Patch tests are used in the diagnostic investigation of contact dermatitis worldwide. Batteries or series previously studied and standardized should be used in patch testing. The methodology is simple, but it requires adequate training for the results to be correctly interpreted and used. Despite having been used for over a century, it needs improvement like all other diagnostic techniques in the medical field.

Os testes de contato foram introduzidos, como ferramenta diagnóstica, no final do século XIX. Desde então passaram por diversos aprimoramentos tornando-os o que são hoje. Eles são utilizados na investigação diagnóstica das dermatites de contato em diferentes partes do mundo. Devem ser aplicados com a utilização de baterias ou séries previamente estudadas e padronizadas. A metodologia é simples, mas requer treinamento adequado para sua interpretação e bom aproveitamento dos resultados obtidos. Apesar de ser utilizado há mais de um século, necessita de aprimoramentos como todas as outras técnicas utilizadas para investigação diagnóstica na área médica.

Cytokine detection for the diagnosis of chromium allergy / Deteccao de citocinas no diagnostico de pacientes alergicos ao cromo

BACKGROUND: Patch testing remains the gold standard method for the identification of the etiologic agent of allergic contact dermatitis. However, it is a subjective, time-consuming exam whose technique demands special care and which presents some contraindications, which hamper its use. In a recent study, we showed that the proliferation assay can suitably replace patch testing for the diagnosis of chromium allergy, which had been previously demonstrated only for nickel allergy. In this study, we try to refine the method by reducing the incubation period of cultures for lymphocyte proliferation assays in response to chromium. OBJECTIVE: Develop an alternative or complementary diagnostic test for chromium allergic contact dermatitis. METHODS: We compared the production of 9 cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-17 and RANTES) between 18 chromium-allergic patients and 19 controls. RESULTS: Chromium increased the production of IFN-y, IL-5, IL-2 and IL-13 in allergic patients, but only IL-2 and especially IL-13 helped discriminate allergic patients from controls. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy found with IL-13 were about 80%. CONCLUSIONS: IL-13 and IL-2 detection may be used to diagnose chromium allergy in 2-day cultures. However, in general, the 6-day cultures seem to be superior for this purpose. .

FUNDAMENTOS: O teste de contato permanece como padrão ouro para a identificação do agente causal da dermatite de contato alérgica, mas é um exame subjetivo, que demanda considerável tempo do paciente e do medico, exige cuidados na sua técnica e apresenta algumas contra-indicações que dificultam o seu uso. Em um estudo recente demonstramos que o teste de proliferação pode adequadamente substituir o teste de contato no diagnóstico de alergia ao cromo, algo previamente demonstrado apenas para o níquel. Neste estudo tentamos refinar o método reduzindo o período de incubação das culturas do teste de proliferação para o cromo. OBJETIVO: Desenvolver um método alternativo ao teste de contato para o diagnóstico dermatite de contato alérgica ao cromo. MÉTODOS: Comparamos o estímulo provocado pelo cromo na produção de nove citocinas (IFN-γ, IL2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-17 e RANTES) no sobrenadante das culturas de células do sangue periférico de 18 pacientes alérgicos ao cromo e 19 controles. RESULTADOS: O cromo aumentou a produção de IFN-y, IL-5, IL-2 e IL-13, mas apenas as citocinas IL-2 e principalmente IL-13 foram capazes de discriminar pacientes de controles. A sensibilidade, especificidade e acurácia encontradas com a IL-13 foram de aproximadamente de 80%. CONCLUSÕES: Concluímos que a detecção de IL-2 e IL-13 podem ser útil para o diagnóstico de alergia a cromo na cultura de 2 dias. Todavia, as culturas de 6 dias parecem, de um modo geral, superiores as de 2 dias para esse fim. .

Frequency of allergic contact dermatitis in hand eczema patients with European standard and corticosteroid series

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.

Atopy patch test (APT) in the diagnosis of food allergy in children with atopic dermatitis / Teste de contato atópico (TCA) no diagnóstico de alergia alimentar em crianças com dermatite atópica

BACKGROUND: Atopic Dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. Food allergens are important in the pathogenesis in 1/3 of the cases. Several mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of Atopic Dermatitis. Immediate reactions are identified by both measurement of specific IgE and skin prick test. Atopy Patch Test seems to be relevant in the investigation of patients with suspected delayed-type reactions. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the standardization of this method concerning allergen concentration, occlusion time and interpretation, and determine the specificity and sensitivity of the Atopy Patch Test according to the skin prick test and specific IgE levels in food allergy diagnosis in children with Atopic Dermatitis. METHODS: Seventy-two children, aged 2-12 years were selected and followed at the allergy clinic of the Hospital São Zacharias. Skin prick test, specific IgE and food Atopy Patch Test (cow's milk, egg, soy and wheat) were carried out. Three groups were submitted to the Atopy Patch Test: (1) Atopic Dermatitis with or without Rhinitis and Asthma; (2) Rhinitis and or Asthma without AD; (3) Healthy individuals. RESULTS: In group 1, 40% of the patients presented positive reactions. The longer the exposure time (48h and 72h), the higher the sensitivity. In group 2, the test was more specific than sensitive for all the extracts, with increased sensitivity the longer the time of exposure (72h). In group 3, 8.3% presented positive tests. CONCLUSION: APT evidenced a great diagnostic value in late-phase reactions to food, with high specificity. It showed to be a specific and reliable tool in comparison with the healthy group's results.

FUNDAMENTOS: A Dermatite Atópica é uma doença inflamatória crônica da pele. Os alimentos são importantes na patogênese da doença em 1/3 dos casos. Diversos mecanismos estão envolvidos na fisiopatogenia da dermatite Atópica. As reações imediatas são identificadas pela dosagem de IgE específica e teste de puntura. O teste de contato atópico parece ter relevância na investigação de pacientes com suspeita de reação tardia. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a padronização do método com relação à concentração do alérgeno, tempo de oclusão e de interpretação; e determinar a especificidade e a sensibilidade do teste de contato atópico em relação ao teste de puntura e a dosagem de IgE específica, no diagnóstico de alergia alimentar em crianças com dermatite Atópica. MÉTODOS: Setenta e duas crianças com 2 a 12 anos foram submetidas a teste de puntura e dosagem de IgE específicas para alimentos (leite de vaca, ovo, soja, trigo). O teste de contato atópico foi aplicado em 3 grupos: (1) Dermatite Atópica com ou sem Rinite e Asma; (2) Rinite e ou Asma sem Dermatite Atópica; (3) Saudáveis. RESULTADOS: No grupo 1, 40% dos pacientes apresentaram reação positiva. Quanto maior o tempo de exposição, maior foi a sensibilidade. No grupo 2, o teste foi mais específico que sensível para todos os extratos; com aumento da sensibilidade com maior tempo de exposição (72h). No grupo 3, 8.3% apresentaram testes positivos. CONCLUSÃO: O teste de contato atópico mostrou ter valor diagnóstico em relação às reações de fase tardia a alimentos, com elevada especificidade. Mostrou-se um teste específico e confiável ao comparar com os resultados do grupo controle.