Author/Editor		Lunder, Tomaž
Title		Changing trends of causative allergens in allergic contact dermatitis
Type		članek
Source		In: Proceedings of the 5th F. Kogoj memorial symposium; 2005 Jun 10-11; Ljubljana. Ljubljana: Klinični center, Dermatovenerološka klinika,
Publication year		2005
Volume		str. 6-10
Language		eng
Abstract		Knowledge of the most common causative allergens and their sources is important for every dermatologist and general practitioner since allergic contact dermatitis figures among the most common skin disorders. The aim of this study was to analyze the results of patch tests with the most common causative allergens carried out over a 15 year period (1989-2003) in the Allergology Laboratory, Department of Dermatovenereology, UMC Ljubljana. Patch test data of all patients tested in our Department for standard contact allergens during the study period were evaluated in this study. A total of 9, 706 patients were routinely patch tested during the 1989-2003 period. The most frequent positive patch test reactions were due to nickel, followed by fragrance mix, chromium, cobalt, formaldehyde, balsam of Peru, and thiuram mix. We observed an upward trend in the relative frequencies of positive reactions to fragrance mix and to the balsam of Peru, another marker of fragrance sensitivity, and a decreasing trend in the case of contact allergy to chromates and formaldehyde. The rising trend in fragrance allergy might be a consequence of the increased use of cosmetics and toiletries containing fragrances over the last few decade(s). Formally similar to the situation in some other countries, the observed decrease of detected chromate allergy - perhaps partly due to slightly decreased exposure due to changed processes in the construction industry might in fact be a misrepresentation, i.e. the real frequency might be higher since some patients with occupational skin disease did not seek medical advice during the last few years. The same reason might perhaps also be involved in the observed decrease of (proven) cases of formaldehyde contact allergy.
Descriptors		DERMATITIS, ALLERGIC CONTACT ALLERGENS PATCH TESTS