Patch test reactions in atopic patients

Abstract

Patch testing was carried out in 851 atopic patients: 181 atopic dermatitis (AD)patients were additionally tested with 50% dilutions of the test substances. The occurrence of allergic and irritant reactions was frequent, being 57% and 33% for AD patients aged 28–41 years and 19–27 years, respectively. Among age‐matched allergic rhinitis (AR)/allergic conjunctivitis (AC) or asthma (A) patients, the number of allergic reactions varied from 25 to 30%, and for irritant reactions was 24%. In all groups, nickel, fragrance‐mix, balsam of Peru and neomycin were the commonest allergens. Contact allergy to ingredients of topical medicaments was common among AD patients and patients with severe and long‐lasting dermatitis were most frequently sensitized. However, sensitivity to multiple substances was not common among those patients. The number of irritant reactions was considerable, but 50% dilution of the test substances did not solve the problem.