Frequency Of Positive Patch Tests To Common Allergens By Age Groups

Abstract

Contact Dermatitis (CD) is a common skin disorder. Patch testing is the gold standard for evaluation of allergen sensitizations in CD. We sought to identify the most common allergens identified by patch testing based on age groups in our academic allergy clinic. We performed an IRB-approved retrospective chart review of 100 patients patch tested with the North American Contact Dermatitis Group Standard (NACDG) and T.R.U.E. test panels from 2008-2015. Data collected included results of patch testing, age, and sex. 100 patients, aged 4-89 years (mean age 47.1), were included in this study. 81% were female. The five most common sensitizers across all age groups were Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Fragrance Mix 1, Nickel, Neomycin, and Cobalt. Patients were assigned to groups: Pediatric (0-21 years), Middle Age (22-65), and Elderly (66+). The most common allergens in the pediatric group were Nickel and Neomycin (4/22 each, 19%). The most common allergen in both the middle aged and elderly groups was Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate (15/56, 27%, and 10/23, 43% respectively). Fragrance Mix 1 and Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate sensitization became increasingly common with age. Nickel, Neomycin, and Cobalt sensitizations were equally distributed across age groups. There was no difference in frequency of sensitizers noted between the middle age and elderly population. In our patient sample, the prevalence of sensitization to certain allergens varied by age. Fragrance and Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate were infrequent sensitizers in children, potentially related to exposure. Nickel, Neomycin and Cobalt were common allergens in all age groups.