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Reactivity at edges of corticosteroid patch tests may be an indicator of a strong positive test response
B Bjarnason1, E Flosadóttir, T Fischer
1Department of Dermatology, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. bolli@uab.edu
Background:
The importance of the reactivity at the edges of corticosteroid patch tests is unknown.
Objective:
To study the clinical importance of edge reactivity in budesonide patch tests.
Methods:
Ten subjects previously positive for budesonide patch tests were retested with 0.1% budesonide in Finn Chambers((R)) and with budesonide-printed polyester squares in serial doses (150-0.074 microg/cm(2)). Six exposure periods were used for each polyester square dose (3 h to 4 days). Tests were followed up to 11 days. Doubtful or weakly visible reactivity at the test edges was assessed additionally by test perfusion assessments.
Results:
Nine of 10 subjects reacted with some edge reactivity and later exhibited positive reactions. Perfusion assessments helped to confirm early edge reactivity. Some allergic subjects showed edge reactivity only at high doses, while longer applications were required for weaker doses.
Conclusion:
Edge reactivity may be an indicator of a strong suppressed test response.