Eczemaletters

Related Articles

The value of patch testing patients with a scattered generalized distribution of dermatitis: retrospective cross-sectional analyses of North American Contact Dermatitis Group data, 2001 to 2004.

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2008 Sep;59(3):426-31

Authors: Zug KA, Rietschel RL, Warshaw EM, Belsito DV, Taylor JS, Maibach HI, Mathias CG, Fowler JF, Marks JG, DeLeo VA, Pratt MD, Sasseville D, Storrs FJ

BACKGROUND: A scattered generalized distribution (SGD) of dermatitis is a challenging problem; patch testing is a strategy for evaluating allergic contact dermatitis as a relevant factor. OBJECTIVE: We sought to analyze patient characteristics and most frequently relevant positive allergens in patients presenting for patch testing with SGD. METHODS: We conducted retrospective cross-sectional analysis of North American Contact Dermatitis Group 2001 to 2004 data. Patients with SGD were compared with patients without SGD. RESULTS: Of 10,061 patients, 14.9% (n = 1497) had only a SGD. Men and patients with a history of atopic eczema were more likely to have dermatitis in a SGD (P < .001). Preservatives, fragrances, propylene glycol, cocamidopropyl betaine, ethyleneurea melamine formaldehyde, tixocortol pivalate, and budesonide were among the more frequently relevant positive allergens. Top allergen sources included cosmetics/beauty preparations/skin and health care products, clothing, and topical corticoids. LIMITATIONS: This was a retrospective analysis of patch-tested patients with SGD suspected to have allergy. CONCLUSIONS: A total of 49% of patients with SGD had at least one relevant positive allergen, thus demonstrating the benefit of patch testing these patients.

PMID: 18597890 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]