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.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate frequency of contact allergy in patients with chronic venous leg ulcers (CVLU) and to estimate possible relationships between allergic contact reactions and characteristics of both chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and CVLU. We performed patch tests with the European standard series, antibiotics, glucocorticosteroids and ointment vehicles in 50 patients with CVLU. Patients underwent detailed CVI diagnostics using colour flow duplex ultrasound examination, ankle brachial pressure index determination and leg ulcers area measurement. Positive patch tests results were found in 80% and polyvalent allergy in 56% of patients. Statistically significant correlations were recorded between CVI and CVLU duration, CVLU duration and CVLU area and between CVI duration and polyvalent allergy frequency. Statistically significant differences were observed between coexistence of superficial and deep system insufficiency and CVLU duration, characteristics of contact allergic reactions and CVI duration, frequency of allergic contact reaction and presence or absence of long saphenous vein insufficiency, incidences of vein thrombosis and characteristics of contact allergic reactions as well as between characteristics of contact allergic reactions and both CVLU duration and area. Complex pathophysiological processes, including inflammatory reactions, in course of CVI may influence development of allergic contact reaction in CVLU patients.

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