[Cosmetic dermatitis. Its relationship with positive patch test results, clinical features and atopy]

Although cosmetic manufacturing has progressed significantly, we still see a lot of skin problems caused by cosmetics. We patch tested 307 patients who showed signs of cosmetic contact dermatitis on the face from using their own cosmetics. The most common sensitizers were hair dyes, especially paraphenylenediamine (PPDA). Eighty-six of the 307 patients were assessed with patch tests for 23 perfumes, 16 tar dyes, preservatives, bases and 7 other items. Perfumes were frequently identified as allergens such as hidroxycitronellal, which turned out to be the most common sensitizer. The eighty-six patients were divided into 7 groups according to the clinical features and were discussed in terms of the period of onset and their age distribution. The relationship between positive patch test results and atopy is also reported.