Relevance of patch testing and its correlation with clinical patterns of contact dermatitis of hand

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Contact dermatitis of hand is a common dermatoses with different aetiological conditions and different morphologies. The aim of our study is to identify the clinical patterns, causative allergens and the relevance of patch testing for contact dermatitis of hand.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> A total of 74 patients with hand eczema were included in our study after getting informed and written consent to do patch tests during December 2016 to May 2017 in our dermatology OPD. Patch test was done by using Indian standard series battery and the readings were taken at 48 hrs and 72 hrs. The results were interpreted according to International Contact Dermatitis Research Group (ICDRG) criteria.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> The incidence of hand eczema was 3.2 percent with male: female ratio of 1.55:1. The most common age group affected was 31-40 years. The most common morphological pattern observed in our study was fissured pattern (43%) followed by unspecified pattern (23%), hyperkeratotic (12%), lichenoid (10%), pompholyx (4%), fingertip eczema (1%), ring pattern (1%) and mixed morphology (6%). In our study, current relevance of 79% (31 allergens), doubtful relevance of 15% (6 allergens), and old relevance of 3% (one allergen) was noted. Cross sensitization was observed with one allergen (3%).</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Patch testing is a very useful scientific diagnostic tool that unravels the cause of contact dermatitis of hand. Avoidance of the substances responsible for allergy can be advised to the patient.</p>