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An 8-year experience in airborne contact dermatitis
Peter Komericki1, Werner Aberer, Birger Kränke
1Department of Environmental Dermatology and Venereology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria. peter.komericki@uni-graz.at
Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift
|July 9, 2004
Summary
Airborne contact dermatitis is rare in patients undergoing patch testing, affecting less than 1% of cases. Occupational links were less frequent than previously reported, with plant or wood extracts being common triggers.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Occupational Health
- Allergy
Background:
- Recent case reports highlight occupational airborne contact dermatitis.
- Epidemiologic data on this condition is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of airborne contact dermatitis in a general patient population undergoing patch testing.
- To gather further epidemiological insights into airborne contact dermatitis.
Main Methods:
- A single-center study analyzed data from 5,092 patients.
- Standardized questionnaires and documentation forms were used.
- Data collection spanned from October 1994 to March 2002.
Main Results:
- Airborne contact dermatitis was diagnosed in 15 patients (0.29%).
- Relevant positive patch tests occurred in 9 patients (0.18%), primarily due to plant/wood extracts, perfume, or epoxy resin.
- Irritant airborne contact dermatitis was diagnosed in 6 patients. Occupational links were found in 5-7 cases (0.1%-0.14%).
Conclusions:
- Airborne contact dermatitis is an uncommon diagnosis in unselected patients undergoing patch testing.
- The association with occupation appears less frequent than suggested by recent case reports.