D2.294 - Allergic contact dermatitis unit at Hospital Joan XXIII (Tarragona, Spain): descriptive analysis 2022 - 2023
Background
Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is an inflammatory skin disease affecting 20% of the general population and is the most common occupational pathology. Depending on its location and the exposure environment, the cause can be identified.
The objective of this study is to describe the characteristics of ACD in a sample of our population, based on its location and clinical relevance.
Method
We conducted a retrospective descriptive study reviewing the clinical histories of patients with suspected contact dermatitis who underwent patch testing in our section during the years 2022-2023. Clinical and pathological data were collected, and statistical analysis was performed.
Results
We obtained a sample of 237 patients (176 women), with a mean age of 48 years. Of these, 115 (49%) presented moderate-to-severe ACD, 112 (47%) had a history of atopy, and 5 (2.1%) had a family history of ACD. The most frequent locations were hands (77, 32.5%), face (64, 27%), and trunk (59, 24.89%).
The most commonly tested patch test series were: GEIDAC standard, cosmetics (59, 24.89%), metals (48, 20.25%), antiseptics (34, 14.3%), and dental/acrylates (28, 11.8%). Results showed positivity in 131 (56%) patients, with clinical relevance in 104 (79.38%), with the most frequent allergens being nickel, fragrances mix, and Kathon
Conclusion
ACD is an increasingly frequent condition in the population.
Patch testing is the most useful tool for diagnosis and subsequent therapeutic management. It is essential that these tests be evaluated by experienced professionals who can determine the clinical relevance of positive results with the highest precision.
Contact allergy units are crucial within Allergy Services, where expertise in pathology and allergens, along with their clinical relevance, enables this specialization.
