Contact allergy without skin disease

Patch tests with a standard series were performed in 274 non-dermatologic patients undergoing orthopedic surgery. Allergic reactions were observed in 22%, particularly to nickel (7%) and balsam of Peru (5%). Contact allergy in patients without previous or present skin disease was observed in 9%. A certain frequency of contact allergy in the general population should be held in mind when considering the incidence in patients with skin disease.