Prevalence and trends of contact sensitization in psoriasis patients

Abstract

BackgroundPsoriasis and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) are two very common dermatoses. The relationship between them has not yet been fully understood. Contact dermatitis can be an additional cause of epidermal disruption in psoriasis patients, resulting in poor management of the disease. ObjectiveTo analyze the tendencies of contact sensitization in a cohort of psoriasis patients with suspected ACD. MethodsPsoriasis patients (n=85) with suspected contact dermatitis underwent patch testing with European Baseline allergen series S-1000 in Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos Centre of Dermatovenereology from August 2020 to August 2021. Their results are presented in this study. ResultsThe patch test was positive in 43.5% (n=37) of patients. Contact sensitization was more prevalent in patients with mild psoriasis, as characterized by PASI scores ≤10, compared to those with moderate-to-severe psoriasis (p<0.05). Generalized psoriasis and nail involvement were more common among non-sensitized patients (p<0.05). Most common contact allergens among sensitized patients were nickel (II) sulphate, formaldehyde, and potassium dichromate. ConclusionAn inverse trend was observed between psoriasis severity and contact sensitization. Extended psoriatic involvement was uncommon in sensitized patients.