Analysis of the prevalence of allergens listed in European baseline series in products composition used in atopic dermatitis available in Polish online drugstores

Abstract

Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, recurrent inflammatory skin disease. Due to deficient skin barrier function, patients with AD are exposed to higher risk of contact sensitization and allergic contact dermatitis. Basic therapy of AD should consist of optimal skin care pointed at the skin barrier defect with regular use of emollients. Unfortunately, products from this group can potentially comprise compounds listed in European Baseline Series (EBS) used in the patch test allergens. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of allergens listed in European Baseline Series included in preparations available in polish online drugstores. Method About 40 online drugstores were searched by two independent researchers. We included preparations described by the manufacturers as “emollients” or “products able for treatment of atopic dermatitis” and subsequently assessed for their presence of chemical compounds included to list of the EBS(28 most common allergens). The analysis also included the cost of each product (all collected on the same day, 28 Jan 2014).