EVALUATION OF PATCH TESTING IN CONTACT DERMATITIS PATIENTS ATTENDING TERTIARY CARE CENTRE IN KARAIKAL

Abstract

Introduction: Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a growing concern due to increased use of cosmetics and topical medications routinely and exposure to a large number of allergens on day-to-day basis. Patch testing is a reliable method for detecting the causative antigens in suspected cases. Aims And Objectives: To assess the demographic profile, pattern of ACD, and patch test profile of suspected cases of ACD attending contact dermatitis clinic of our department. Materials And Methods: It was a prospective study in which all the patients with suspected ACD attending OPD of department of dermatology over a 3 month period were analysed. Patch testing was done using the most common antigens primarily, and other batteries were used depending on patient requirement and availability. Results: A total of 50 patients were enrolled in the contact dermatitis clinic over a period of 3 months. Hand eczema was the most common pattern seen in 23 cases followed by feet eczema, hand and foot eczema, facial eczema, forearm and leg eczema and photoallergic contact eczema. A total of 32 (64%) gave positive patch test results, with nickel sulfate being the most common allergen identified followed by cobalt sulfate & potassium dichromate. Conclusion: Common allergens identified in our study were more or less similar to studies from other parts of India