RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Contact hypersensitivity is a common occurrence in patients with chronic venous leg ulcers (CVLU) with allergen profiles depending upon the local treatment policies. OBJECTIVE: This study was to determine the frequency of contact sensitivity, prevalence of individual allergens, polyvalent sensitization, and/or their relationship to ulcers duration in the population of CVLU and contact dermatitis patients in Serbia. PATIENTS: 75 patients with CVLU and 82 patients with clinically suspected contact dermatitis were prospectively included in the study. The patients were patch tested with a series of 21 standard and 22 supplemental allergens. RESULTS: 73% (n = 55) of CVLU and 52% (n = 43) of control subjects had 1 or more positive patch test results (P < 0.01). Polysensitization was found in 53% of patients and 21% of controls (P < 0.01). CVLU patients run 2.5 and 4.3 higher risk for contact sensitization and polysensitization, respectively. The most common allergens were Balsam of Peru (21.3%), carba mix (18.7%), fusidic acid (17.3%), colophony (13.3%), paraben mix (12%), chloramphenicol (12%), silver nitrate (12%), and neomycin (10.7%). Polivalent sensitization and higher mean number of allergens were associated with ulcer duration >5 years. CONCLUSIONS: The results confirm a high rate of contact (poly)sensitization in patients with CVLU and local variability in allergen prevalence.
