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Patch Testing With Formaldehyde 2.0% (0.60 mg/cm2) Detects More Contact Allergy to Formaldehyde Than 1.0
Marléne Isaksson1, Iris Ale2, Klaus E Andersen3
1From the Department of Occupational and Environmental Dermatology, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Malmoe, Sweden.
Dermatitis : Contact, Atopic, Occupational, Drug
|November 16, 2019
Summary
Increasing formaldehyde patch test concentration to 2.0% aqueous revealed more cases of formaldehyde contact allergy. This change by the International Contact Dermatitis Research Group identified a higher frequency of allergic reactions in dermatitis patients.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Allergology
- Toxicology
Background:
- The International Contact Dermatitis Research Group revised formaldehyde patch test concentrations in 2011.
- The concentration was increased from 1.0% aqueous to 2.0% aqueous.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of the increased formaldehyde patch test concentration.
- To determine the frequency and pattern of contact allergy to formaldehyde.
Main Methods:
- Patch testing of consecutive dermatitis patients across 8 clinics.
- Application of formaldehyde solutions at 1.0% and 2.0% aqueous concentrations using micropipettes on filter paper discs.
Main Results:
- 2778 patients tested with 1.0% aq and 2766 with 2.0% aq formaldehyde.
- 65 patients (2.3%) showed positive patch test reactions to formaldehyde (contact allergy).
- Significantly more reactions occurred with 2.0% aq compared to 1.0% aq (P < 0.001); 0.8% irritant reactions noted for 2.0% aq.
Conclusions:
- The elevated formaldehyde concentration of 2.0% aqueous is more effective in diagnosing formaldehyde contact allergy.
- The revised concentration identified a greater number of allergic individuals compared to the previous 1.0% concentration.
