Relevance of patch testing in allergic contact dermatitis to cosmetics among patients attending outpatient department at a tertiary care center in North Kerala

Abstract

Purpose: The incidence of dermatitis due to cosmetics is increasing because of the greater product use. Identification of causative allergen(s) in patients with cosmetic dermatitis is important. It can lead to patient awareness in cosmetic product selection and decrease in the incidences of allergic contact dermatitis. Theaim of the study was to assess the clinical profile of allergic contact dermatitisto cosmetics and investigate the role of patch testing in evaluation of allergic contact dermatitis to cosmetics. Patients and method: It was a prospective, interventional study, which included40 patients with a suspected allergic contact dermatitis to cosmetics. Patch testing was performed utilizing the ‘Indian Standard Series and Standard Cosmetic and Fragrance Series’ approved by ‘Contact and Occupational Dermatoses Forum of India’.The reactions were recorded according to International Contact Dermatitis Research Group recommendations. Result: Out of total 40 cases that were recruited in the study with a provisional diagnosis of ACD to various cosmetic ingredients, 67.5% tested positive for one or more allergens. The clinical relevance of patch testing in suspected cases of cosmetic sensitivity was found to be statistically significant (p<0.027). Conclusion: The study found clinical relevance of patch testing in suspected cases of cosmetic sensitivity to be statistically significant (p<0.027).