A detailed study of allergic contact dermatitis, clinical patterns, allergens and patch testing

Abstract

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a common skin condition that causes significant disruption of a country's economy as a result of rising school and work-related absenteeism besides the persistent medical expenses. 1. To determine the demographic profile of ACD patients 2. To determine the source of allergens and its preferred sites of involvement 3.To evaluate the patch test and its relationship with various allergens. This study enrolled 60 patients diagnosed with ACD attending the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy Vinayaka Mission Medical College & Hospital, Salem and relevant history, clinical examination and patch test were done using standard protocols. Data were entered in Microsoft Excel [2007] and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences [SPSS] version 21.0 Chicago, USA. The mean age of the subjects were 40.4±13.7 years. The males and females were affected in the ratio of 3:2. Housewives (28.3%) hugely contracted ACD followed by agriculturists (20.0%), masons (15.0%), students (11.7%), professionals (10.0%) cement factory workers (8.3%), and others (6.7%). Nickel sulphate and potassium dichromate were the most common allergens found. The patch test was positive for 51.7% of the subjects while it was negative and doubtful for 35.0% and 13.3% respectively. India being a developing nation, has seen rising rates of occupational dermatosis in the venture of its rapidly expanding urbanization. Hence vibrant protection measures at all occupational levels in addition to the stricter implementation of regulatory control and warranting public education about the safety protocols has to be exercised in all set ups.