Primin in the European standard patch test series for 20 years

Primin was included in the European standard series (ESS) in 1984. In 2000, a primin-free variant of Primula obconica, the main source of contact allergy to primin, was introduced in the market. The aim of this study was to analyse the trends of primin allergy in 13 986 consecutively patch-tested eczema patients over a 20-year period from 1985 to 2004. 151 patients gave a positive patch test to primin. The majority were women, in two-third of patients the patch test was relevant and most presented with hand eczema. Only few of the cases (4.7%) were occupational. A significant decline of contact allergy to primin was seen (P < 0.001) over the years affecting all age groups. The frequency was 0.5% during 2000-2004. Contact allergy has been rare since 2000. The low frequency of positive patch test to primin does not support inclusion in the ESS in our region.