[Evolution of contact dermatitis factors in a population. Epidemiology 1975-1981 ]

Comparative results between positive patch tests found during the periods 1968-1974 and 1975-1981 are presented. The number of sensitised patients to nickel, chromate and Peru balsam has significantly increased. On the other hand, the number of turpentine-oil-positive patch tests has strongly decreased. This mirrors the drop in the imported quantities of this product. A schema concerning factors influencing the apparent allergenicity is given.