Evaluation of Patch Test in 100 Cases of Allergic Contact Dermatitis

ABSTRACT

Background Patch test is the standard investigation for diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). It throws light on causative allergens responsible for ACD, thereby assisting the physician in advising and treating the patient. Aim To report the results of patch test in 100 patients of ACD conducted at a tertiary health centre. Results A total of 100 ACD patients (49 females, 51 males) was patch tested, out of which 53 showed positive results (27 females, 26 males). Most common allergens observed in our study are fragrance mix (FM) (15.5%), parthenium (12.4%), nickel sulphate (10.8%), potassium bichromate (10.07%) and paraphenylenediamine (9.3%). Among males parthenium bichromate and among females FM were the commonest allergens. Commonest clinical patterns observed were localised eczema (22%), kumkum dermatitis (21%) and hand eczema (21%). Conclusion The increased incidence of hair dye dermatitis and kumkum dermatitis heralds the need for more studies to identify the specific allergens causing ACD and including them in Indian Standard Series.