Korean J Dermatol.  2003 Mar;41(3):302-307.

Photopatch Test in Patients with Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Cosmetics

• Um SH
• Gil EM
• Kim TH

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Cosmetic compounds are widely consumed and their use is increasing by socioeconomic developments. Although they may also induce photoallergic contact dermatitis, informations about incidence and frequent allergens are not available in Korea. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate allergens and photoallergens in patients showing features of allergic contact dermatitis due to cosmetics. METHODS: Patch test with Korean standard series and photopatch test with patient"s own cosmetic compounds were performed in 60 patients with allergic contact dermatitis to cosmetics. RESULTS: Among standard allergens, nickel sulphate was the most common. In patch test to patient's own cosmetics, skin care and bath preparation showed the highest positive rate, followed by make-up preparation. In photopatch test, skin care preparation, bath preparation and make-up preparation were the highest, followed by hair preparation, and suntan/sunscreen preparation. CONCLUSION: As photoallergy seemed to occur quite commonly than expected, it would be better to perform photopatch test when dermatologists perform patch test with cosmetic compounds.

Keyword

Allergic contact dermatitis; Cosmetics; Photopatch test

MeSH Terms

Allergens
Baths
Dermatitis, Allergic Contact*
Dermatitis, Photoallergic
Hair
Humans
Incidence
Korea
Nickel
Patch Tests
Skin Care
Skin Tests
Allergens
Nickel