Patch Test Reactions Research Articles

Hand and foot dermatitis in patients referred for patch testing: Analysis of North American Contact Dermatitis Group Data, 2001-2018

Dermatitis localized to hands (HD), feet (FD), or both hands and feet (HFD) has multiple etiologies, including atopic dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, and allergic contact dermatitis. Unfortunately, little is known about clinical differences between patients with HD, FD, and HFD. To characterize differences in demographics, etiology, and patch testing results among patients presenting with HD, FD, or HFD referred for patch testing. A retrospective analysis of patients patch tested by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group between 2001 and 2018. Of 43,677 patients who were patch tested, 22.8% had HD, 2.9% had FD, and 3.7% had HFD. Allergic and currently relevant patch test reactions to ≥1 North American Contact Dermatitis Group screening allergen occurred in similar proportions in all 3 study groups. However, HD (18.0%) had higher proportions of occupationally relevant reactions than HFD (8.9%) or FD (4.0%). Nickel and fragrance mix I were in the top 5 currently relevant allergens for HD, FD, and HFD. Other top allergens, as well as allergen sources, differed between HD, FD, and HFD. No data on HD or FD morphology or distribution. HD, FD, and HFD have several differences with respect to patient characteristics, etiologies, and clinically relevant allergens.

Patch testing with cobalt in children and adolescents: North American contact dermatitis group experience, 2001–2018

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to cobalt is more common in children and adolescents than adults. However, detailed information on sites and sources of cobalt ACD is limited. To assess trends in positive and clinically relevant patch test reactions to cobalt in children and associated patient characteristics, common sources and body sites affected. A retrospective analysis of children (<18 years) patch tested to cobalt by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group between 2001 and 2018. Of 1919 children patch tested, 228 (11.9%) and 127 (6.6%) had a positive/allergic or currently relevant patch test reaction to cobalt, respectively. The most common primary body sites affected were scattered generalized (30.0%), face, not otherwise specified (10.6%) and trunk (10.1%). Patients with allergic and currently relevant allergic patch test reactions were more likely to have a primary site of trunk (p=0.0160 and p=0.0008) and ears (p=0.0005 and p < 0.0001). Affected body site(s) varied by cobalt source among patients with currently relevant reactions, especially for less common sources. The most commonly identified sources of cobalt included jewellery, belts and clothing. Positive patch test reactions to cobalt were common in children. The most common body site was scattered generalized and the sources of cobalt varied by body site.

O100 The effect of nickel hypersensitivity on outcome of total knee arthroplasty and value of skin patch testing: a systematic review

Abstract Introduction Aims of the systematic review were to assess the sensitising potential of TKA, explore the relationship between Nickel hypersensitivity and clinical outcomes, and evaluate the utility of skin patch testing pre- and/or post-operatively. Methods A literature search was performed through EMBASE, Medline and PubMed databases. Articles were screened independently by two authors. Levels of Evidence were assessed using OCEBM criteria, and quality assessed using MINORS and Cochrane risk-of-bias tools. Results Twenty studies met the eligibility criteria, reporting on 1354 knee arthroplasties. Prevalence of Nickel hypersensitivity ranged from 0% to 87.5%. Only one study which compared prevalence of hypersensitivity in the same patient group before and after surgery noted newly positive patch test reactions in 4.1%. Three studies reported lower prevalence of hypersensitivity in post-operative patients compared to pre-operative patients. Seven studies suggested hypersensitivity might cause complications; six studies did not support any relationship. Seven studies recommended pre-operative patch testing in patients with history of metal allergy; nine studies concluded testing may be valuable post-operatively. Conclusion Patients undergoing TKA do not seem to be at increased risk of developing Nickel hypersensitivity, however there is conflicting evidence that patients with established hypersensitivity are more likely to experience adverse clinical outcomes. Patch testing remains the gold standard diagnostic method; evidence suggests performing this test pre-operatively in patients with history of metal allergy to aid selection of the most appropriate prosthesis, and postoperatively once common causes of implant failure have been excluded, since implant removal or revision with hypoallergenic implants may alleviate symptoms. Take-home message Patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty do not seem to be at an increased risk of developing nickel hypersensitivity, and there is mixed evidence that patients with hypersensitivity are more likely to experience adverse clinical outcomes. Evidence suggests performing patch testing preoperatively in patients with a history of metal allergy to aid selection of the most appropriate prosthesis, and post-operatively only once more common causes of implant failure have been excluded.

Impact on quality of life of an intervention providing additional information to patients with allergic contact dermatitis; a randomized clinical trial.

Allergic contact dermatitis can negatively impact an individual's daily life in terms of work and interpersonal relationships. Patch-tested individuals show an improved quality of life (QoL). We aimed to assess the impact on QoL after patch testing and what value an intervention would have on QoL. Dermatology Quality of Life Index (DLQI) were assessed in participants with positive patch test reaction. The participants were randomized, in parallel design, into two groups that received either standard information (controls, n = 70) or a reminder letter in addition to standard information (intervention group, n = 66), ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01953380. The response rate was 74% (n = 136). The DLQI score was significantly lower 1 year after patch testing in comparison with baseline in the entire group (mean DLQI 6.3 and 4.5 respectively, 95% CI 0.93-2.72, P < 0.001). However, linear regression analyses showed no significant differences in DLQI score at follow-up between the intervention and control groups. Neither age nor gender had impact on DLQI score. There was an improvement of QoL at follow-up in the entire group. However, the intervention performed did not show any significantly greater improvement concerning QoL. Further research is needed to understand what factors apart from patch testing and medical care may affect QoL in patients with contact dermatitis, and what interventions are needed to improve QoL.

Patch testing results in adult patients with dermatitis during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) represents a delayed hypersensitivity reaction to a contact allergen with variable presentations, including erythema, vesiculation, or lichenification, depending on the allergen, exposure, and chronicity. Patch testing (PT) is the reference standard for identifying contact allergens implicated in ACD. Among the general adult population, ACD has a prevalence of approximately 21%.1 Positive PT reactions in the evaluation of occupational ACD occur in up to 25% to 36% of health care workers (HCWs).

Contact dermatitis in children caused by diabetes devices.

Insulin pumps and glucose monitoring devices improve diabetes mellitus control and enhance patients' quality of life. However, a growing number of adverse cutaneous reactions related to the use of these devices have been reported. To investigate the culprits of localized contact dermatitis in paediatric patients with diabetes caused by insulin pumps and glucose monitoring devices. Retrospective analysis of 15 paediatric patients patch tested as part of a clinical investigation for skin reactions associated with insulin pumps and glucose monitoring devices. Seven patients had positive patch test reactions to isobornyl acrylate (IBOA) and five had positive reactions to benzoyl peroxide (BP). Positive patch test reactions to materials from the glucose sensor and/or insulin pump were seen in 10 of the 15 patients. Three had positive reactions to adhesive remover wipe from Smith and Nephew Remove and four had reactions to EMLA plaster. A high share of patients showed positive reactions to IBOA and/or their medical devices (insulin pumps or glucose devices). A third of patients showed positive reactions to BP. The presence of additional unidentified allergens cannot be excluded, highlighting the importance of access to a full description of the chemical composition of the devices.

The immediate patch test reaction to fragrance in patients with allergic contact dermatitis to fragrance: A prospective study

Fragrance is one of the common causes of immediate contact reaction. Knowing the prevalence of a reaction in a given population enables prioritization of allergy screening. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of an immediate patch test reaction to fragrance in patients with fragrance allergic contact dermatitis. This prospective study enrolled 291 patients who were given standard patch tests for allergic contact dermatitis. Those with positive reactions were then asked to undergo additional patch tests to assess both immediate and delayed reactions to 28 different fragrance substances. Cinnamic aldehyde and cinnamic alcohol were the most frequently encountered substances in positive immediate reactions and standard (delayed) patch test reactions. Immediate patch reactions to benzyl alcohol, sorbic acid, and coumarin were more frequently observed than standard patch test reactions. Because of the small sample size of patients who agreed to continue further patch testing evaluation, a statistical association between patient characteristics and fragrance-positive patch test reactions was difficult to establish. In this population, cinnamic aldehyde and cinnamic alcohol were the most common fragrance allergens causing both immediate and delayed reactions, whereas reactions to benzyl alcohol, sorbic acid, and coumarin were frequently observed in immediate patch tests.

Translated article] Contact Allergy in Patients With Rosacea

Background and objectiveRosacea is a chronic acneiform skin disorder in which impaired skin barrier function can lead to sensitization to allergens. We aimed to analyze contact allergies in our patients with rosacea. Material and methodsRetrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent patch testing in our skin allergy clinic between May 1991 and May 2019. ResultsA total of 200 patients with rosacea were referred to our clinic for patch testing during the study period; they represented 2.1% of all patch tested patients in the period. Eighty-one percent were women (mean age, 44.7years). At least 1 positive patch test was recorded for 46.5%; 15% were of current relevance. The most frequent positive reaction was to nickel (26%), followed by cobalt chloride (6.5%), isothiazolinones (6%), p-phenylenediamine (5.5%), fragrance mix II (5%), and thimerosal (3.5%). The most common currently relevant patch test reactions were to isothiazolinones in 10 of the 200 patients (5%); to phenylenediamine, fragrance mix II, and toluensulfonamide formaldehyde resin in 4 patients (2%) each; and to tixocortol and fragrance mix I in 2 patients (1%) each. The allergen groups most often implicated were metals (of current relevance in 12.6%) and drugs (of current relevance in 25.8%). Preservatives and fragrances were the next most common allergen groups, and 70.8% and 43.7% of the positive reactions in these groups, respectively, were of current relevance. Cosmetics were the most frequent source of sensitization, followed by topical medications—notably corticosteroids and antifungal agents. ConclusionsWe emphasize the high prevalence of allergic contact dermatitis in patients with rosacea, a finding which supports patch testing, especially if eruptions worsen when these patients use cosmetics and topical medications.

Patch testing with glucosides: The North American Contact Dermatitis Group experience, 2009-2018

BackgroundAlkyl glucosides are nonionic surfactants that are increasingly used in personal care products. ObjectiveTo characterize positive patch test reactions to decyl glucoside (5% petrolatum, tested 2009-2018) and lauryl glucoside (3% petrolatum, tested 2017-2018). MethodsRetrospective analysis of patients tested by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group. ResultsOf 24,097 patients patch tested to decyl and/or lauryl glucoside, 470 (2.0%) had positive reactions. Compared with glucoside-negative patients, glucoside-positive patients had higher odds of occupational skin disease (13.4% vs 10.1%; P = .0207), history of hay fever (38.5% vs 31.6%; P = .0014), atopic dermatitis (39.0% vs 28.6%; P < .0001), and/or asthma (21.8% vs 16.5%; P = .0023). Most glucoside reactions (83.9%) were currently relevant. The most common source was personal care products (63.0%), especially hair products (16.5%) and skin cleansers (15.2%). Of 4933 patients tested to decyl and lauryl glucoside, 134 (2.7%) were positive to 1 or both; 43.4% (43 of 99) of decyl-positive patients were also positive to lauryl glucoside and 55.1% (43/78) of lauryl glucoside patients were also positive to decyl glucoside. LimitationsThe cohort predominantly reflects a referral population, and follow-up after testing was not captured. ConclusionGlucoside positivity occurred in 2.0% of the tested patients. Reactions were often clinically relevant and linked to personal care products. Cross-reactivity was >40%.

Lanolin Allergic Reactions: North American Contact Dermatitis Group Experience, 2001 to 2018.

Lanolin is an important cause of allergic contact dermatitis. The aims of this study were to describe the epidemiology of lanolin allergy and to assess trends in patch test reactions to lanolin over time. This study used a retrospective analysis of patients patch tested with lanolin alcohol 30% or Amerchol L-101 50% in petrolatum by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group between 2001 and 2018 (n = 43,691). Overall, 1431 (3.3%) had a positive reaction, and 1238 (2.8%) were currently relevant. Prevalence of lanolin allergy was 4.63% between 2011 and 2018 (P < 0.0001). Most lanolin-allergic patients had + (52%) reactions; 18%, and 6% had ++ and +++ reactions, respectively. Common primary anatomic sites of dermatitis were the hands (20.7%), scattered/generalized distribution (19.6%), and face (17.0%). Allergic reactions to lanolin were more common in children (4.5%) than in adults (3.2%, P = 0.0018). Compared with nonallergic patients, lanolin-allergic patients were more likely to have history of eczema or hay fever, male sex, older than 40 years, or Black race (P < 0.05). Common lanolin sources were personal care products and drugs/medications. Only 2.24% of the positive reactions were linked to occupation. Lanolin sensitivity was common. Reactions were often clinically relevant and linked to personal care products and medications.

Contact allergy in children with and without atopic dermatitis: An Italian multicentre study.

BackgroundContact allergy and atopic dermatitis (AD) are both common inflammatory T cell‐mediated diseases and many factors may influence the prevalence of contact allergy in AD patients. In children, their possible correlation was debated with conflicting results.ObjectivesThe present study aimed to assess the prevalence of contact sensitivity in children and to investigate the association with AD.Materials and methodsA retrospective multicentre study on children aged from 0 to 14 years patch tested between January 2017 and December 2018 was performed. Children were consecutively patch tested with the SIDAPA (Società Italiana Dermatologia Allergologica Professionale Ambientale) baseline series.ResultsAmong the 432 children investigated for contact allergy, 125 (28.9%) showed a positive reaction to at least one of the allergens tested, with a higher prevalence of positive patch test reactions in girls (32.3%) than in boys (25.0%). The most frequent contact allergens were nickel sulphate (10.2%), cobalt chloride (6.7%), methylisothiazolinone (3.7%), fragrance mix‐2 (3.2%), potassium dichromate (2.8%), fragrance mix‐1 (2.1%) and methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (2.1%). One‐hundred‐three children (23.8%) suffered from AD showing a higher prevalence of positive patch test (36.9%) compared to children without AD (26.4%).ConclusionsDespite the topic being still controversial, the present study suggests a consistent prevalence of contact allergy among children with higher sensitivity rate among children with AD than without AD.

Uso del dermatoscopio en la lectura de pruebas epicutáneas: ¿qué puede aportar?

Interpreting patch test reactions is not easy. It requires experience and is characterized by high intraobserver and interobserver variability. It can sometimes be truly difficult to discern between a weak allergic reaction and an irritant reaction. A number of recent studies have investigated the dermoscopic features of patch test reactions. Homogeneous erythema is the main feature observed in patients with a positive allergic reaction, although dotted vessels, vesicles, crusts and yellow-orange areas may also provide clues. These features are somewhat similar to those observed in inflammatory conditions, such as eczema. In patients with an irritant reaction, the most common dermoscopic findings are the pore reaction pattern and perifollicular erythema. Dermoscopy could be useful for establishing a diagnosis in the case of doubtful patch test reactions.

Contact sensitization to essential oils: IVDK data of the years 2010-2019.

Essential oils (EOs) are widely used in cosmetics, perfumes, massage fluids, aroma therapy and natural medicine. Some EOs contain contact sensitizers. To describe the frequency of sensitization to EOs in dermatitis patients presenting in skin clinics including concomitant reactions, to evaluate the EO patch test preparations and to identify patient groups with an increased risk of EO sensitization. Retrospective analysis of data from the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK), 2010-2019. Twelve EOs were patch tested in an aimed manner in 10 930 patients, of whom 908 (8.3%) reacted to at least 1 EO. Only 6 EOs elicited more than 1% positive patch test reactions: ylang ylang (I + II) oil (3.9%), lemongrass oil (2.6%), jasmine absolute (1.8%), sandalwood oil (1.8%), clove oil (1.6%) and neroli oil (1.1%). Concomitant reactions among EOs or to EOs and fragrances were frequent. Among EO-positive patients, women, leg dermatitis patients, patients aged 40 years or more, masseurs and cosmeticians were over-represented. Sensitization to EOs occurs, albeit infrequently in most cases. Masseurs and cosmeticians have an increased risk of sensitization to EOs.

Fixed drug eruption after Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine: A case report

Fixed drug eruption after Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine: A case report

Sorbitan sesquioleate: a rare contact allergen that is also an important indicator of allergic contact dermatitis from crossreacting compounds as well as for false-positive fragrance allergy.

Controversy exists about the addition of sorbitan sesquioleate (SSO) to the European baseline series for concomitant patch testing, particularly with fragrance mix (FM) I and Myroxylone pereirae (MP), which both contain SSO as an emulsifier. To investigate SSO contact sensitization and concomitant positive patch test reactions to FM I or MP in Turkey. This was a retrospective analysis of 840 patients consecutively patch tested with SSO 20% petrolatum between 1996 and 2020. The prevalence of SSO sensitization was 0.6% (5 of 840). In four of the five patients, clinical relevance could be established from SSO crossreactants, mainly in moisturizers and topical pharmaceuticals other than corticosteroids. Positive patch test reactions with unknown clinical relevance were observed to FM I or MP (both containing 5% SSO) in 71.4% of patients with a positive/questionable positive reaction to SSO (P < 0.001) and to other patch test allergens containing 1-5% SSO. SSO was a very good indicator for positive patch test reaction with unknown clinical relevance to fragrances and other allergens containing 1-5% SSO. We suggest that SSO should be tested as a negative control with any commercially available patch test allergen containing SSO at any concentration. Moreover, clinicians should be alert for SSO synonyms and for other sorbitan derivatives in product labels, as SSO itself might not be the culprit but an indicator for crossreacting allergens.

Gene profiling reveals a contact allergy signature in most positive Amerchol L-101 patch test reactions.

Diagnosis of contact allergy (CA) to Amerchol L-101 (AL-101), a marker for lanolin allergy, is problematic. Positive patch test reactions are frequently doubtful or weakly positive and difficult to associate with clinical relevance. To gain further insight on the allergic or irritant nature of skin reactions induced by AL-101 patch test. We re-tested in a dose-response fashion, 10 subjects with AL-101 CA and performed comprehensive transcriptomic analysis (gene arrays, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction [qRT-PCR]) of samples of their skin reactions. Eight of the 10 CA subjects reacted positively upon re-test, whereas two did not react. Most of AL-101 positive patch tests expressed an allergy signature with strong activation of gene modules associated with adaptive immunity and downregulation of cornification pathway genes. In addition, the breadth of gene modulation correlated with the magnitude of patch test reactions and the concentration of AL-101 applied. However, we observed that some of the positive patch test reactions to AL-101 expressed no/few allergy biomarkers, suggesting the induction of an irritant skin inflammation in these samples. This study confirms that AL-101 is an allergen that can cause both contact allergy and contact irritation. Our results also highlight that molecular profiling might help to strengthen clinical diagnosis.

Sensibilización alérgica de contacto en pacientes con rosácea

Background and objectiveRosacea is a chronic acneiform skin disorder in which impaired skin barrier function can lead to sensitization to allergens. We aimed to analyze contact allergies in our patients with rosacea. Material and methodsRetrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent patch testing in our skin allergy clinic between May 1991 and May 2019. ResultsA total of 200 patients with rosacea were referred to our clinic for patch testing during the study period; they represented 2.1% of all patch tested patients in the period. Eighty-one percent were women (mean age, 44.7years). At least 1positive patch test was recorded for 46.5%; 15% were of current relevance. The most frequent positive reaction was to nickel (26%), followed by cobalt chloride (6.5%), isothiazolinones (6%), p-phenylenediamine (5.5%), fragrance mixII (5%), and thimerosal (3.5%). The most common currently relevant patch test reactions were to isothiazolinones in 10 of the 200 patients (5%); to phenylenediamine, fragrance mixII, and toluensulfonamide formaldehyde resin in 4 patients (2%) each; and to tixocortol and fragrance mixI in 2 patients (1%) each. The allergen groups most often implicated were metals (of current relevance in 12.6%) and drugs (of current relevance in 25.8%). Preservatives and fragrances were the next most common allergen groups, and 70.8% and 43.7% of the positive reactions in these groups, respectively, were of current relevance. Cosmetics were the most frequent source of sensitization, followed by topical medications — notably corticosteroids and antifungal agents. ConclusionsWe emphasize the high prevalence of allergic contact dermatitis in patients with rosacea, a finding which supports patch testing, especially if eruptions worsen when these patients use cosmetics and topical medications.

Contact sensitization to iron: A potentially underestimated metal allergen and elicitor of complications in patients with metal implants.

Little is known about sensitization to iron (Fe) in private, occupational, and medical settings, particulary implantology. To investigate sensitization to metals, particularly to Fe, both in pre-implant individuals with presumed metal allergy and in patients with suspected metal implant allergy. To further characterize Fe-sensitized individuals. Analysis of patch test reactions to an Fe (II) sulfate-containing metal series in 183 consecutive patients (41 pre-implant, 142 metal implant bearers). Test readings were on day (D)2, D3, and D6. Evaluation of questionnaire-aided history of metal reactivity patterns and demographics of Fe reactors. Metal reactivity in pre-implant/implant/total group was: to nickel 39%/30%/32%; to cobalt 17%/15%/15%; and to chromium 7%/13%/11%. Co-sensitizations cobalt/nickel (19/58) and cobalt/chromium (11/21) were significant at P< .001; co-sensitizations Fe/nickel (4/10) and chromium/knee arthroplasty (11/73) at P= .03. Ten of 183 (5.5%) reacted to Fe (2 of 41 pre-implant patients, 8 of 142 implant bearers), with 10 reacting only on D6. Fe reactivity was highest in complicated knee arthroplasty (7/73). Further peculiarities of Fe reactors included frequent isolated Fe reactivity (6/10), occupational metal exposure (7/10), previous (par)enteral Fe substitution (6/10). The 5.5% prevalence of Fe reactions suggests a potentially underestimated role of this metal allergen in general and in implant bearers. The latter also shows a distinct metal sensitization pattern.

Is benzyl alcohol a significant contact sensitizer?

Benzyl alcohol is a widely used preservative, solvent and fragrance material. According to published data, it is a rare sensitizer in humans. To identify characteristics and sensitization patterns of patients with positive patch test reactions to benzyl alcohol and to check the reliability of the patch test preparation benzyl alcohol 1% pet. Retrospective analysis of data from the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK), 2010-2019. Of 70 867 patients patch tested with benzyl alcohol 1% pet., 146 (0.21%) showed a positive reaction, most of them (89%) only weakly positive. The number of doubtful and irritant reactions significantly exceeded the number of positive reactions. Reproducibility of positive test reactions was low. Among benzyl alcohol-positive patients, compared to benzyl alcohol-negative patients, there were significantly more patients with leg dermatitis (17.8% vs. 8.6%), more patients aged 40 years or more (81.5% vs. 70.5%) and more patients who were tested because of a suspected intolerance reaction to topical medications (34.9% vs. 16.6%). Concomitant positive reactions were mainly seen to fragrances, preservatives and ointment bases. Sensitization to benzyl alcohol occurs very rarely, mainly in patients with stasis dermatitis. In view of our results, benzyl alcohol cannot be regarded as a significant contact allergen, and therefore marking it as skin sensitizer 1B and labelling it with H 317 is not helpful.

Limonene and linalool hydroperoxides review: Pros and cons for routine patch testing.

Limonene and linalool are among the most common fragrance terpenes used in everyday products. They are pre-haptens, forming hydroperoxides (Lim-OOHs, Lin-OOHs) upon oxidation and inducing frequent positive patch test reactions in patients with dermatitis, and yet they are not routinely tested in Europe. This review evaluates current patch testing with Lim-OOHs and Lin-OOHs by asking whether hydroperoxide patch testing is warranted, examining the difficulties or challenges related to reading and interpreting hydroperoxide patch test results with currently available material, and assessing their relevance. Studies are increasingly pointing to high percentages of positive reactions in patients consecutively patch tested with these oxidized products. An association between a positive clinical history and a strong patch test reaction has been described, but problems with doubtful/irritant reactions have also been reported. Considering the high frequency of relevant positive reactions, the incorporation of Lim-OOHs 0.3% and Lin-OOHs 1% in the baseline series may be justified. Since exposure, sensitization, and elicitation limits of Lim-OOHs and Lin-OOHs in the products still need to be better determined, an assessment of previous exposure, possible sensitizations, and reactions may help to improve the clinical assessment.