Symptoms and signs reported during patch testing.

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Allergy and Immunology

Background:

• Previous studies indicated frequent subjective complaints and distant skin reactions during patch testing, especially in female patients.
• These reactions were primarily reported on the day of test reading.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically document generalized side effects during the patch testing procedure in a controlled setting.
• To investigate the occurrence and nature of symptoms and signs associated with patch testing.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire-based study involving 401 patients undergoing standard patch testing.
• Patients served as their own controls, reporting symptoms at both test application and reading days.

Main Results:

• An eczematous flare-up occurred in 3.7% of patients.
• Most reported symptoms of malaise decreased by the test reading day compared to application day, with itch on the back being an exception.
• No statistical correlation was found between reported symptoms/signs and positive patch test results.

Conclusions:

• Distant skin reactions and general health impairment during patch testing are frequently reported at test reading.
• Symptoms and signs, apart from itch on the back, are generally less common after patch test application than before.
• The findings suggest that while side effects can occur, they often diminish by the time of test reading.