Trends in Contact Sensitization Among Korean Patients: A Multicenter 6-Year Retrospective Patch Test Study

Allergic contact dermatitis is influenced by demographic factors. Updated epidemiologic data are needed to optimise patch test panels and preventive strategies.

To evaluate trends and determinants of allergen sensitization in Korean patients undergoing patch testing.

Retrospective analysis of patch test records of 2271 patients at 15 university hospitals in Korea between 2019 and 2024. Patch test reactions were interpreted according to International Contact Dermatitis Research Group criteria. Association with age, sex, and body site was assessed.

Overall, 57.1% of patients exhibited at least one positive reaction; among patients with positive reactions, 48.7% exhibited multi-sensitizations. Most frequent positive patch reactions were to nickel (29.0%), cobalt (18.2%), and chromium (8.2%). Women were more frequently sensitised to nickel and cobalt. Sensitization to fragrance mix I, Myroxylon pereirae resin, and p-phenylenediamine increased with age, whereas sensitization to thimerosal decreased. Facial involvement was associated with higher sensitization to lanolin alcohol; hand involvement with 2-mercaptobenzothiazole, colophonium, 4-tert-butylphenol formaldehyde resin and thimerosal; and scalp involvement with mercapto mix, 4-tert-butylphenol formaldehyde resin, p-phenylenediamine, and lanolin alcohol.

Metals, particularly nickel and cobalt, remain the predominant sensitizers in Korea. Age, sex, and localization differences underscore the need for targeted screening and public health strategies.