Clinicoepidemiological and patch test profile of patients attending the contact dermatitis clinic of a tertiary care hospital in North India: A 7-year retrospective study

Abstract

Introduction:Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a growing concern due to increased use of cosmetics and topical medications routinely and exposure to a large number of allergens on day-to-day basis. Patch testing is a reliable method for detecting the causative antigens in suspected cases.Aims and Objectives:To assess the demographic profile, pattern of ACD, and patch test profile of suspected cases of ACD attending contact dermatitis clinic of our department.Materials and Methods:It was a retrospective study in which all the data enrolled in the contact dermatitis clinic of our department over a 7-year period were analyzed. Patch testing was done using the Indian Standard Series of 20 antigens primarily, and other batteries were used depending on patient requirement and availability.Results:A total of 582 patients were enrolled in the contact dermatitis clinic over a period of 7 years. Hand eczema was the most common pattern seen in 268 cases followed by feet eczema, hand and foot eczema, facial eczema, forearm and leg eczema and photoallergic contact eczema. A total of 177 patients (30.4%) gave positive patch test results, with nickel sulfate being the most common allergen identified followed by potassium dichromate, cobalt sulfate, paraphenylenediamine, neomycin sulfate, and fragrance mix.Conclusion:Common allergens identified in our study were more or less similar to studies from other parts of India. However, due to the unique climate of the valley, the profile of parthenium sensitivity was low in our study when compared to the rest of the country.

Results of patch tests (using Indian standard battery of allergens) in cement workers with clinically diagnosed allergic contact dermatitis to cement: A cross-sectional study

“…[5,7] is was contrary to the observations from a CD clinic of a tertiary referral center, where nickel was identified as the most common allergen. [9] is was expected considering the high prevalence of nickel sensitivity in general population. [10] Our observation of all those showing positive reactions to cobalt and nickel on patch testing, showing a positive reaction to potassium dichromate as well, was consistent with literature.…”

Standard patch test results and clinical relevance: A cross-sectional study of 10-year retrospective experience

“…[ 8 9 10 11 ] Female predominance in patch testing was also found in European and Asian studies. [ 3 4 12 ] The fact that women take part in professions and housework with more intense chemical contact might be the reason for exposure to allergens more frequently, which may explain the more frequent diagnosis of ACD and the need for PT in this group.…”

“…[ 20 21 ] It was the most common allergen in our study, as in other studies including Europeans, Asians and Indians. [ 3 4 12 13 22 23 ]…”

“…[ 35 36 ] Both cobalt and potassium dichromate are found in materials often used in daily life, thus, detected very often in the patch tests in different regions as in ours. [ 12 13 23 ]…”

Clinical, occupational and allergological profile of 455 patients with occupational contact dermatitis: A 5-year study from a tertiary care center of North India

“…[ 1 2 ] Exposure to an allergen in most instances is occupational and 40-60% of occupational absenteeism is attributed to some form of occupational contact dermatitis (OCD). [ 3 4 ] The commonly affected are personnel involved in household work (cooking, washing, cleaning, child care), agriculture and cattle rearing, construction, cleaning, salons, health care, handling of food materials (cooks, bakers) or plants and plant material (farmers, gardeners, foresters), and metal or other industrial work. An exposure to products of daily use (apparels, skin and hair care products, medications, equipments, and tools) may also result in contact sensitization.…”