Common Contact Allergens in Patients with Chronic Vesicular Dermatitis of Palms and Soles: A Retrospective Study

Chronic and recurrent vesiculation over the palms and soles is termed chronic vesicular dermatitis. Its etiology is multifactorial and contact allergy plays an important role.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the clinical relevance of patch test reactivity to common contact allergens in chronic palmoplantar vesicular dermatitis.

An observational study was conducted enrolling 152 patients of chronic palmoplantar vesicular dermatitis. Patch testing was carried out with the Indian Standard Battery and also with the materials used by patients. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS software.

Among 152 patients, 91 were female and 61 male. The peak incidence was in the 14-24 years age group. Their occupations included housewives 48, laborers 26, factory workers 16, farm workers 14, and shopkeepers 12. Patch tests were positive in 79 (52%) patients, including 43 (28.3%) female and 36 (23.7%) male. Patch test reactivity was observed with nickel in 25 (16.4%); potassium dichromate in 21 (13.8%); fragrance mix in 17 (11.2%); p-phenylenediamine in 14 (9.2%); black rubber in 10 (6.6%); mercaptobenzothiazole in 8 (5.3%); and parthenium in 8 (5.3%) patients. Clinical relevance of positive patch tests was determined in 47 (59.5%) patients.

Though patch test reactivity was higher in females as compared with males, the difference was not statistically significant. Clinical relevance of positive patch tests was established with nickel in 9 (19.1%) patients; antigens associated with rubber including black rubber, mercaptobenzothiazole, and thiuram mix in 7 (14.9%); potassium dichromate in 7 (14.9%); p-phenylenediamine in 6 (12.8%); and parthenium in 4 (8.5%) patients.