Patterns of Allergic Contact Dermatitis in African Americans in a Major Metropolitan Area Over a 10-Year Period

Differences in patterns of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) among underrepresented minority populations are not well studied.

The aim of the study was to investigate patterns of ACD in African American and White patch-tested patients in a distinct metropolitan area over a 10-year period.

We conducted a retrospective review of 297 ACD patients patch tested from 2009 to 2019. Differences in allergen frequency, relevance, and sources of exposure were evaluated. Fisher exact test analyses were performed to examine these differences.

Among 297 patients, 215 were White and 47 were African American. The most common sensitizers differed between the 2 groups. African American patients also reacted with statistically significant greater frequency to disperse dye blue (P = 0.019) and textile dye mix (P = 0.001). The most common source of positive patch tests for all patients was personal care products (72%). Occupational allergy was greater in African American male patients, and personal care product exposure was greater in White male patients (P = 0.009).

Our study highlights the differing patterns of sensitization seen in African American and White patients. This is likely due to differences in personal care product use or occupational allergy. Additional studies with larger sample sizes are needed to expand upon these differences.