[Standard epicutaneous testing: 5-year results and their effects on future examinations]

1385 patients were subjected to patch tests in the last years. The most important contact allergens in these seris were found to be rubber, nickel, chromate. Compositions of patch tests series varies with regard to the individual substances included: allergens with low sensitizing potency (methol, resorcin, methylsalicylate (!), hexachlorophene, iodochlorhydrooxychinoline) are gradually replaced by others of more recent importance, e.g. mercury (Merfen). Some allergens give better results when tested in higher concentration (balsams of peru, parabens, colophony and wool fat alcohols). Our findings correspond widely with the recommendations of the ICDRG (International Contact Dermatitis Research Group). Therapeutic possibilities are limited; topical application of corticosteroids may be taken as routine regimen. Bufexamac (Parfenac) has been proposed for this purpose, recently. Protective creams (like ion exchange ointments) are of limited use due to the necessity of repeated application.