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Aeroallergen patch testing for patients presenting to contact dermatitis clinics
S E Whitmore1, E F Sherertz, D V Belsito
1Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|November 1, 1996
Summary
Aeroallergen patch testing showed little relevance for non-aeroallergen allergic contact dermatitis in this study. Further research is needed to fully evaluate the role of aeroallergens in allergic contact dermatitis.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Allergology
- Immunology
Background:
- The role of aeroallergens in allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and atopic dermatitis (AD) is debated.
- Standardization of testing techniques and allergens is lacking, yet studies report positive patch tests in 30-40% of AD patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and clinical significance of positive aeroallergen patch tests.
- To assess aeroallergen patch testing in patients referred for suspected non-aeroallergen ACD.
Main Methods:
- 103 patients underwent standard patch testing and patch testing with six common aeroallergens (dust, mold, cat, tree, grass, weed).
- Patch tests were applied, removed at 48 hours, and read at 48 hours and 3-7 days post-application.
Main Results:
- Five patients (4.9%) showed allergic reactions to one aeroallergen.
- Prevalence of reactions was higher in patients with both atopic dermatitis and mucosal atopy (18.8%) compared to others (2.3%, p=0.02).
- None of the aeroallergen reactions were deemed significant for current dermatitis, though two had past relevance.
Conclusions:
- Aeroallergen patch testing appears to have limited utility for evaluating patients with suspected non-aeroallergen ACD.
- Further larger studies and masked controlled trials are necessary to fully clarify the role of aeroallergens in ACD.