[Occurrence of contact allergies in atopic eczema. Relation to simultaneously detected atopic markers]

In a prospective study the risk of delayed-type hypersensitivity was investigated in 65 patients with atopic eczema (AE) and a noneczematous control group (n = 78) largely similar in age and occupational distribution. The diagnosis of AE was established according to the diagnostic criteria of Hanifin and Rajka. Patch tests were performed using the European standard series. There was no significant difference in the occurrence of contact sensitivity. Atopics showed a significantly higher incidence of reactions to nickel (atopics 28%/controls 6%/p less than 0.01), especially in females (females 29%/9%, p less than 0.05). Sensitivity to nickel could be regarded as a further minor atopic criteria. Patients with AE and simultaneously delayed type hypersensitivity showed significantly higher IgE levels (IgE means = 733 U/ml), than atopics without contact sensitivities (IgE means = 290 U/ml), but no differences in the occurrence of any major or minor criteria.