Background. The pattern of contact sensitization to the supposedly most important allergens assembled in the baseline series differs between countries, presumably at least partly because of exposure differences. Objectives. To describe the prevalence of contact sensitization to allergens tested in consecutive patients in the years 2007 and 2008, and to discuss possible differences. Methods. Data from the 39 departments in 11 European countries comprising the European Surveillance System on Contact Allergy network (http://www.essca-dc.org) in this period have been pooled and analysed according to common standards. Results. Patch test results with the European baseline series, and country‐specific or department‐specific additions to it, obtained in 25 181 patients, showed marked international variation. Metals and fragrances are still the most frequent allergens across Europe. Some allergens tested nationally may be useful future additions to the European baseline series, for example methylisothiazolinone, whereas a few long‐term components of the European baseline series, namely primin and clioquinol, no longer warrant routine testing. Conclusions. The present analysis points to ‘excess’ prevalences of specific contact sensitization in some countries, although interpretation must be cautious if only few, and possibly specialized, centres are representing one country. A comparison as presented may help to target in‐depth research into possible causes of ‘excess’ exposure, and/or consideration of methodological issues, including modifications to the baseline series.

With increasing age, nickel takes the place of the mercurials as the principal allergen.

Introduction: Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by significant morbidity. Current medical therapies are usually only minimally effective. Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of infliximab monotherapy for the treatment of severe extensive refractory forms of hidradenitis suppurativa. Design: A retrospective study in a group of 6 patients who received treatment with infliximab for hidradenitis suppurativa, in the Dermatology Department of the University Hospital of Puerto Real in the last year. The dose was 5–10 mg/kg at weeks 0, 2 and 6, followed by a maintenance dose every 4 weeks. Subjective and objective efficacy was assessed before and after each treatment session. Results: All patients experienced improvement in subjective symptoms after the initial dose. A decrease in exudation, the size and number of lesions and less development of fistulous tracts were observed. The patients were followed up during 6 months. Treatment was generally well tolerated and there was only one mild reaction to the infusion in the form of headache. No patient required treatment discontinuation due to adverse effects. Conclusions: Infliximab was shown to be an effective therapeutic alternative for severe extensive forms of hidradenitis suppurativa when it is used as monotherapy.

Allergic contact dermatitis was the most usual diagnosis in our series of children with hand eczema. We recommend patch testing of all children with chronic hand eczema, as is already performed in adults.