Contact sensitivity and atopic dermatitis: association with prognosis, a follow‐up study in 801 atopic patients

Abstract

The influence of contact sensitivities on the course of atopic dermatitis (AD) is not known. The objective of the study is to find the course of AD in atopic patients with and without contact sensitivities. A total of 801 atopic patients were studied and patch tested in 1983/84. A questionnaire focusing on the occurrence of dermatitis was sent to these patients 16 years later. During the follow up the number of symptom-free patients increased from 36.7% to 40.7%. In patients with positive patch-test reactions, 30.1% were symptom free in 1983/84 and 38.3% at the follow up (P= 0.001). Among those with positive patch-test reactions to fragrance mix and/or balsam of Peru, the number of symptom-free patients had increased the most: from 26.9% to 42.6% (P= 0.0095), and a similar tendency was seen among those with nickel allergy. The occurrence of dermatitis did not change among patients without contact sensitivities. Thus, the study concluded that contact allergy does not impair the prognosis of dermatitis in atopic patients.

Contact Sensitization in Pediatric Population With Atopic Dermatitis: A Retrospective Study of 80 Patients

“…The elimination of responsible allergens could improve the SCORAD score and prolong the remission periods in individuals with AD 25 . We similarly noted improvement of lesions in most of the followed-up children when elimination was possible.…”

Contact sensitization pattern in 172 atopic subjects

“…The finding of a higher rate of sensitization to potassium dichromate in the AI group was unexpected, although other studies have also reported this allergen as a frequent sensitizer among AIs, with sensitization rates as high as 7.9% 6,12,14,15 . Another investigation showed that this antigen sensitized 2.6% of subjects among a pediatric population of 137 atopic children 10 .…”

“…The finding of a higher rate of sensitization to potassium dichromate in the AI group was unexpected, although other studies have also reported this allergen as a frequent sensitizer among AIs, with sensitization rates as high as 7.9%. 6,12,14,15 Another investigation showed that this antigen sensitized 2.6% of subjects among a pediatric population of 137 atopic children. 10 Because exposure to dichromates, such as are found in cement and leather, is uncommon in childhood, it is conceivable that this study's results 10 may have included subjects with irritant contact dermatitis, rather than a true contact allergy.…”

Children with Atopic Dermatitis Should Always be Patch-tested if They Have Hand or Foot Dermatitis

“…One study even showed that after a diagnosis of contact allergy was demonstrated, a reduction of dermatitis in adults was seen, possibly because the allergen could be avoided (7).…”