Patch Test (T.R.U.E. Test) Results in Patients with Allergic Contact Dermatitis: 2007~2011, Chungcheongnamdo

Oh, Sang Jin; Lee, Jong Suk; Lee, Sung Yul

Abstract

BACKGROUND
A number of skin manifestations in patients with allergic contact dermatitis result from sensitization with specific allergens, and patch testing is used as a diagnostic means of identifying theses allergens. In Korea, the commercial patch test panel, the TRUE-test, has been available since 2005. However, there have been few reports regarding the results of the TRUE-test.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to analyze the type, frequency, and changes in common contact allergens in Korea using the TRUE test.
METHODS
A total of 311 patients with allergic contact dermatitis were evaluated by the TRUE test between January 2007 and December 2011 at Soonchunhyang hospital. Patch test reading was performed on day 2 and day 4.
RESULTS
A total of 311 cases of TRUE test records (male 79, female 232) were compiled and analyzed. The highest age distribution was the 4th decade in females. The face, with exception of the lips, was the most frequently affected site (40.2%). Overall, 58.8% of patients had at least on positive reaction, and the most common allergens were nickel sulfate (31.8%), p-phenylenediamine (13.5%), cobalt chloride (10.0%), thiomersal (7.4%), and carba mix (5.5%). Nickel allergen displayed higher positive rates than the rates in other countries.
CONCLUSION
There was no significant difference in the overall positive rate of patch test results compared with recent studies. However, we confirmed that metal-related allergens remain the most common, and that the results provide the basis for the use of the TRUE test in patients with contact dermatitis in Korea.