Korean J Dermatol.  2014 Aug;52(8):548-553.

Patch Testing to Determine Causative Contact Allergens in Patients with Periocular Dermatitis

• Kim JM
• Kim GW
• Mun JH
• Song M
• Kim HS
• Kim BS
• Kim MB
• Ko HC

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Periocular dermatitis (PD) is a common condition and can be classified as either allergic or non-allergic. Because the periocular region is one of the most sensitive areas of the skin, contact with any environmental or therapeutic allergen may give rise to dermatitis.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical usefulness of patch testing to determine sensitivity to contact allergens in PD patients.
METHODS
Patch testing was conducted in 29 PD patients using the T.R.U.E. test(R) at Pusan National University Hospital. We examined the results of patch testing, the probable cause of PD, and the history of use of ophthalmic medication.
RESULTS
Contact hypersensitivity was detected using the T.R.U.E. test(R) in 62.1% (18/29) of the patients, and contact hypersensitivity to specific ophthalmic medications was observed in 33.3% (3/9) of the patients with a history of using ophthalmic medication.
CONCLUSION
We suggest that patch testing can be utilized to elucidate the relevant contact allergen in patients with PD. Patch testing with specific ophthalmic medications is valuable to determine allergic reactions in patients who have used ophthalmic medications.

Keyword

Ophthalmic medication; Patch test; Periocular dermatitis

MeSH Terms

Allergens*
Busan
Dermatitis
Dermatitis, Contact
Dermatitis, Perioral*
Humans
Hypersensitivity
Patch Tests*
Skin
Allergens