ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Patch testing with the shoe series may be useful for the diagnosis of shoe contact dermatitis. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to verify the usefulness of the shoe series and the association of fungal infection with positive results in the shoe series. METHODS: A total of 140 patients with suspected shoe contact dermatitis underwent patch testing with the standard series and shoe series; 41 underwent mycologic examination. RESULTS: Positive results in the shoe series were noted in 58 patients (41.4%). The most common allergens were potassium dichromate (27.2%), nickel sulfate (11.9%), Kathon CG (10.9%), and 4-tert-butylphenol formaldehyde resin (8.7%). Of the 41 patients with suspected tinea pedis, 13 (32%) had positive mycologic findings and 9 (69.2%) also had a positive response to the shoe series. Of the patients with a negative result on mycologic examination, only 10 (35.7%) had a positive result in the shoe series. CONCLUSION: Our study indicates that all patients with foot dermatitis should undergo patch testing with the shoe series. Positive results in the shoe series seem to be more prevalent in patients with a fungal infection.
