Clinico-epidemiological and Patch Test Profile of Patients with Suspected Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Cosmetics in a Tertiary Care Hospital in the Southern Philippines: A 3-year Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background: Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a common skin inflammatory reaction occurring at the site of challenge with a contact allergen in sensitized individuals and one of the most common causes for consultation in dermatology clinics. Patch testing is a method for detecting the causative component in suspected cases of ACD. Awareness about the causative allergen aids in reducing morbidity and can significantly minimize the impact of ACD in the affected people. Objectives: The study aimed to measure the number of relevant positive reactions in patch tests being performed in our institution in patients with ACD to cosmetic products. Methods: A total of 60 patients who were diagnosed with ACD to cosmetics and underwent patch testing were reviewed to identify the clinico-epidemiological and patch test profiles of these patients. Results: The study showed that the mean age of patients was 42 comprising mostly of females. Most of the patients were unemployed, office workers, and medical workers. The most common cosmetic products that caused ACD include soaps, shampoos, lotions, and moisturizers. Nickel is still the most tested positive among these patients, followed by fragrance mixes and 4-phenylenediamine base. They are widely distributed in cosmetic products, especially in soaps and lotions. The pattern of dermatitis revealed facial dermatitis to be the most common reason for consult of these patients. Conclusion: Patch test is valuable in the setting of establishing the etiology of ACD to cosmetic products.