The sex of the individual as a factor in allergic contact dermatitis

Abstract

Exogenous and endogenous factors have been implicated in allergic contact dermatitis (ACD); this review explores the sex of the individual as a possible endogenous factor. While there is a clinical impression that women are more skin-reactive than men, upon review this hypothesis appears oversimplified. This review explores sex differences in controlled testing of adult ACD, occupational ACD and juvenile ACD. Further, geographical location and socioeconomic and cultural factors in relation to sex differences in allergic contact dermatitis are discussed. We conclude that female sex could be a factor predisposing to allergic contact dermatitis not so much because of possible differences in intrinsic skin characteristics between the sexes, but more because of different exposure patterns. This conclusion has practical consequences regarding product labelling requirements, occupational risk assessment and legislation.

Allergic contact dermatitis pattern in Kuwait: nickel leads the pack. In-depth analysis of nickel allergy based on the results from a large prospective patch test series report

“…Studies on the prevalence of nickel sensitivity generally show that in the general population, up to 17% of women and 3% of men are nickel sensitive [21] thus concerning the prevalence of sensitization and sex, the results are consistent with those of previous reports [22–24]. …”

Risk factors of polysensitization to contact allergens

“…Women apparently are found to be sensitized more often than men, as previous studies have already shown. 15,16 It is, however, not entirely clear whether this observation is explained by constitutional differences between the sexes, 17 or by women being more intensely exposed, e.g. occupationally or to consumer products, or by both factors.…”

Gender Differences in Topical Treatment of Allergic Contact Dermatitis

“…Females report skin disease more often than males (1)(2)(3), and female gender is a predisposing factor to allergic contact dennatitis because of gender differences in exposure patterns (4)(5)(6). No significant differences in quality of life (QoL) scores have been reported between males and females with allergic contact dennatitis, but females report a higher degree of emotional distress (7,8) and a higher degree of discomfort from eczema than males (3).…”