Patch Testing in Suspected Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Cosmetics

Abstract

Background. Increasing use of cosmetics has contributed to a rise in the incidence of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to cosmetics. It is estimated that 1–5.4% of the population is sensitized to a cosmetic ingredient. Patch testing helps to confirm the presence of an allergy and to identify the actual allergens which are chemical mixtures of various ingredients. Objectives. The aims of this study are to perform patch testing in suspected ACD to cosmetics and to identify the most common allergen and cosmetic product causing dermatitis. Methods. Fifty patients with suspected ACD to cosmetics were patch-tested with 38 antigens of the Indian Cosmetic Series and 12 antigens of the Indian Standard Series. Results. The majority (58%) of patients belonged to the 21–40 years age group. The presence of ACD to cosmetics was confirmed in 38 (76%) patients. Face creams (20%), hair dyes (14%), and soaps (12%) were the most commonly implicated. The most common allergens identified were gallate mix (40%), cetrimide (28%), and thiomersal (20%). Out of a total of 2531 patches applied, positive reactions were obtained in 3.75%. Conclusion. Incidence of ACD to cosmetics was greater in females. Face creams and hair dyes were the most common cosmetic products implicated. The principal allergens were gallate mix, cetrimide, and thiomersal.

Contact sensitization to hair colours in acquired dermal macular hyperpigmentation: results from a patch and photo‐patch test study of 108 patients

“…21 An important finding of the present study is that the rate of patch-test positivity was significantly more with 'own hair colours' than that with PPD contained in ISS. 21 An important finding of the present study is that the rate of patch-test positivity was significantly more with 'own hair colours' than that with PPD contained in ISS.…”

Patch testing in patients with suspected cosmetic dermatitis: A retrospective study

“…Components of kumkum, applied as a cosmetic to the forehead in Asian women, commonly cause a pigmented dermatitis . The eyelids, face, and neck are the sites most frequently involved in cosmetic allergy, as observed in our study also.…”

“…Dogra et al have reported 3.2% positivity with standard cosmetic kit and 3.3% with various cosmetics out of 2065 patches applied. Kumar P et al have reported a rate of 3.75% positive reactions. Somewhat lower rate of positive reaction was observed in our study (2.12%).…”

“…Patch testing with standard series identifies the responsible allergens in almost 70‐80% cases of contact dermatitis; however, many important cosmetic‐related allergens may be missed using standard series alone. There is a paucity of studies from Indian subcontinent to support patch testing with cosmetic series in addition to standard series in patients with suspected contact allergic dermatitis to cosmetics . Therefore, we attempted to study the common allergens in cosmetics, responsible for causing allergic contact dermatitis (ACD).…”

“…There is a paucity of studies from Indian subcontinent to support patch testing with cosmetic series in addition to standard series in patients with suspected contact allergic dermatitis to cosmetics. 4 Therefore, we attempted to study the common allergens in cosmetics, responsible for causing allergic contact dermatitis (ACD).…”