Facial contact dermatitis. Pathogenetic factors in China

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Allergology
• Contact Dermatitis

Background:

• Facial contact dermatitis presents a diagnostic challenge.
• Identifying specific allergens is crucial for effective patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of positive reactions to European Standard Allergens (ESAs) in patients with facial contact dermatitis.
• To identify the most common contact allergens and sources responsible for facial dermatitis.
• To investigate potential allergens in seasonal incidence cases unresponsive to standard testing.

Main Methods:

• Epicutaneous patch testing using TROLAB ESAs was performed on 107 patients with facial contact dermatitis.
• Allergen sources including cosmetic creams, hair dyes, and topical medications were evaluated.
• In specific cases, chamber and scratch-chamber tests with pollens were conducted.

Main Results:

• A 57% positive reaction rate to ESAs was observed.
• The most frequent allergens identified were paraphenylenediamine dihydrochloride (16%), fragrance mix (15%), and nickel sulfate (13%).
• Spectacle rims, hair dyes, cosmetic creams, and topical medications were common sources of sensitization. Fragrance mix, formaldehyde, wood alcohols, and balsam of Peru were implicated in cosmetic cream-induced dermatitis.
• Scratch-chamber tests identified two cases of pollen sensitivity in patients with negative standard patch tests.

Conclusions:

• Standard allergen patch testing is effective in identifying common causes of facial contact dermatitis.
• Paraphenylenediamine dihydrochloride and fragrance mix are significant allergens.
• Further investigation may be needed for suspected allergens not included in standard patch test series, especially in seasonal cases.