Contact sensitization to modern dressings: a multicentre study on 354 patients with chronic leg ulcers

Abstract

Summary Background Modern dressings ( MD s) may have a low sensitization rate, but there is a lack of prospective studies in patients with chronic leg ulcers ( CLU s) to evaluate this. Objectives To determine the rate of sensitization (contact allergy) to MD s and substances present in dressings. Patients and methods A prospective multicentre study was carried out in patients with CLU s at five French dermatology departments; patch tests were performed with the European baseline series and with an additional 27 individual allergens and 10 MD s. Results Among 354 patients (226 women and 128 men) with CLU s, 59.6% had at least one positive patch test reaction to an MD and 19% had at least one sensitization to an MD . The number of positive test reactions per patient was correlated with the duration of ulcerative disease, but not with ulcer duration, the cause of the ulcer, or the presence of surrounding eczematous lesions. For 11 of 45 patients sensitized to Ialuset cream ® , more detailed information could be obtained with sensitization to sodium dehydroacetate (5 cases) or Lanette SX ® (3 cases). Conclusions Sensitization to MD s is not rare. It is absolutely necessary to label all components of MD s on their packaging and to avoid some sensitizing molecules, such as colophonium derivatives or any strong sensitizers.