A Study of the Results of Patch Test in Patients with Contact Dermatitis

Lee, Ga Young; Kim, Jung Keun; Kim, Kea Jeung

Abstract

BACKGROUND: More than 10 years have passed since the second multicenter study on standard patch test were carried out in Korea (1986-1993) and an update is needed.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to analyze the type, frequency and changes of the common contact allergens in Korea.
METHODS
Standard patch tests were performed using Finn chamber on Scanpor tape on in-patients and out-patients with contact dermatitis from January 2000 to July 2006. Epidemiologic findings of patients and the results of the patch tests were analyzed.
RESULTS
A total of 528 patch tested cases (male 135, female 393) were compiled and analyzed. The highest age distribution was 5th decade in males and 3rd decade in females. Patients' employment background showed that housewives and office-workers were the most frequently expected jobs consisting 32.4% and 15.2% respectively. The face, including eyelid and lip, was the most frequently affected site comprising 61.2%. The highest sensitization rates were found with : nickel (31.1%), neomycin (9.3%), cobalt (6.4%) and potassium (6.3%). The lowest positivity included : Me-Cl-Isothiazolinone (0.4%), 7-mercaptobenzothiazole (0.8%), black rubber mix (0.8%) and wool alcohol (0.8%). While nickel and neomycin showed increased reacitivities, formaldehyde, fragrance mix and colophony showed a decreased tendency when compared with those of other previous studies.
CONCLUSION
These results provide the basis for the presumption of the route of allergen exposure and prevention of contact dermatitis in Korea.