North American Contact Dermatitis Group Patch-Test Results, 1998 to 2000

Abstract

Background:Patch testing is the most worthwhile diagnostic tool for the evaluation of patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis. Objective:This study reports patch-testing results from July 1, 1998, to December 31, 2000, by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group. Methods:Patients were tested with the same screening series of allergens, using a standardized patch-testing technique. The data from these patients were recorded on a standard computer entry form and analyzed. Results:Fifty allergens were tested on over 5,800 patients. Amidoamine, benzophenone-3, and iodopropynyl butylcarbamate were the new allergens. The top 10 allergens in frequency of positive reactions were identical to those of our 1996-to 1998-study period. The incidence of allergic nickel reactions continues to go up, leading all the test substances by 16.2%. Conclusion:Our findings reinforce the need for a more comprehensive group of diagnostic allergens than is found in the T.R.U.E. TEST, which is sold in the United States. From the Department of Dermatology, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA. Reprints not available. ©2003American Contact Dermatitis Society