Changes in disease pattern in a skin clinic 1947 to 1977

The changes in disease pattern in a Danish skin clinic during the period 1947 to 1977 is reported. The data rest upon comparisons from patient registrations taken with ten years interval. The study also comprises comparison of frequencies of positive patch tests between 1947 and 1977. The data show, that the disease pattern was far from stable. An increased frequency was registered in atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, drug eruptions, urticaria, skin cancer, psoriasis and viral diseases. While reductions were found in all other infectious diseases, seborrheic dermatitis, and so called "non classified eczema". The changes are postulated to be of a multifactorial origine. Environment was supposed to be the main factor in regard to contact dermatitis and some infections and to be of great importance to skin cancer, while better therapeutic posibilities seem to have influenced the frequency of most of the remaining disease groups. Pronounced changes were also registered among the ten most commonly detected contact allergens. It is stated that preventive measures are extremely important within this area. The decrease in contact allergy to balsam of Peru is used as an example of the effects of good preventive medicine.