Common allergens in patients of chronic eczema by patch testing with European standard series

ABSTRACT

To determine the common allergens in patients with chronic eczema by applying European Standard series. This study was conducted at the Dermatology Department Unit II KEMU/Mayo Hospital, Lahore. Seventy five patients aged 12 years and above of either sex having chronic eczema were enrolled. Patients using oral corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs during the last 15 days, as well as, pregnant females were excluded from the study. Each patient was patch tested with allergens of European Standard series. Positive reactions were observed and recorded after 48, 72 and 120 hours, according to International Contact Dermatitis Research Group Criteria. There were a total of 75 patients, 37 females and 38 males. Their age ranged from 13 to 45 years. Mean duration of the disease was 2.25 years. Positive reactions were noted in 52% of patients. Most common allergens were potassium dichromate [24%], nickel sulfate [17.3%], cobalt [17.3%] and tixocortol [10.4%]. More than 50% of cases with chronic eczema reacted positively to various allergens so patch test must be applied to such patients to determine its cause. Metals were the mains allergens detected