Patch test results in patients with clinical diagnoses of contact and/or atopic dermatitis in Isfahan

ABSTRACT

Patch testing is an important diagnostic tool to confirm allergic contact dermatitis. Determination of the validity and usefulness of a standard patch test allergen series with consideration of age, sex and race difference can reduce diagnostic errors in patients with allergic contact dermatitis. This study was done to determine the frequency of contact sensitization to 28 common allergens in patients with clinical diagnoses of contact and/or atopic dermatitis. Materials and In a cross sectional study during 6 months, 250 patients with contact and/or atopic dermatitis were patch tested with DKG standard patch test series and evaluated after 24, 48 and 72 hours after application of patch test. Data were analyzed using SPSS. 11 software by X[2], Fisher's exact and t tests. Positive patch test results were seen in 32% of all evaluated patients. 45.8% of patients with age above 40 years and 28.0% of patient with age below 40 years had a positive patch test. Potassium dichromate and nikel sulfate were the most common allergens in our study. In this study only 13 of 18 [46.4%] tested allergens showed positive reaction. Low positive rate of standard DKG series in this study shows that allergen series of standard patch test should be revised based on reginal conditions, allergens and social habits