Contact dermatitis in Salvador, Brazil

In Salvador, Brazil, 536 patients were patch tested with 24 contact allergens. The most common sensitizers included potassium dichromate, thimerosal, hydroquinone, nitrofurazone ointment and nickel sulfate. The results of this South American study are compared with those published by North American and European dermatologists. Low frequencies of positive reactions were encountered in Salvador to some substances, including mercury bichloride and p-phenylenediamine. The influences of climate and life style in determining patterns of contact sensitivity are discussed.