D3.237 - Specific Features of Allergic Contact Dermatitis in Diabetic Patients in a Dermato-Allergology Unit in Tunisia

Diabetes mellitus is associated with various skin disorders due to impaired skin barrier function related to xerosis, vasculopathy, and neuropathy. These alterations may increase skin susceptibility to irritants and allergens, predisposing diabetic patients to allergic contact dermatitis. the objectif was to describe the profile of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in diabetic patients and to identify the main causative allergens.

This was a retrospective descriptive study including all diabetic patients who consulted the dermato-allergology unit of the Occupational Medicine Department at Farhat Hached University Hospital in Sousse, Tunisia, and who underwent patch testing with the European Baseline Series for the investigation of ACD. The study period covered 21 years.

A total of 46 diabetic patients underwent patch testing. The mean age was 51.8 ± 11.92 years, with a sex ratio of 1.19. Only one patient had an associated fungal infection. The most frequent sites of ACD were the arms in 66.7% of cases, the hands in 50%, and the forearms in 33.3%. Lesions were erythematosquamous in 66.7% of cases. Metals were the most frequently implicated allergens, including chromium, nickel, and cobalt in 21.7%, 19.5%, and 17.3% of cases, respectively. Formaldehyde was identified in 15.2% of cases, while colophony and thiuram mix were each detected in 13% of cases.

Allergic contact dermatitis in diabetic patients shows specific clinical and allergological features, with metals and colophony being the most frequently identified allergens. These findings highlight the importance of considering both occupational and medical device–related exposures in the prevention and management of contact dermatitis in diabetic individuals.