The Effect of Atopy in the Prevalence of Contact Sensitization: The Experience of a Greek Referral Center

Abstract

Contact dermatitis is a well-known skin condition, which is related to stimuli and environmental exposure to chemicals, affecting all ages as well as both genders. In the present work, we attempt to investigate the patterns of contact sensitization, with respect to the personal history of atopy (AT), in Greece in a large number of allergens, using patch testing. The retrospective analysis included clinical routine data of 1978 patients collected from 2014 to 2016 in the Laboratory of Patch Testing, National Referral Centre of Occupational Dermatoses. Sensitization, in all cases, was tested with 28 allergens of the European baseline series as adjusted to our local circumstances and clinical experience. A total population of 1978 patients was evaluated, with a male-to-female ratio of 0.45 (1359 females/619 males). From our patient cohort, 693 (35%) patients were evaluated with a history of atopy, while 1285 (65%) were nonatopic. The five most prevalent allergens in the total population without AT were nickel sulphate 5% (15.47%), fragrance mix (I) 8% (9.10%), balsam of Peru (6.47%), cobalt chloride 1% (4.70%), and thiomersal 0.1% (4.10%). Respectively, in the total population with AT, the five most prevalent allergens were nickel sulphate 5% (10.36%), fragrance mix (I) 8% (5.11%), balsam of Peru (3.29%), thiomersal 0.1% (3.03%), and cobalt chloride 1% (2.78%). Contact dermatitis surveillance is of great importance towards the clinical and systematic understanding of the disease. Further studies should be directed towards that end, in order to facilitate more effective health policies.

Analysis of Prevalence and Risk Factors of Contact Sensitization with respect to the Occupational Profiles in a Greek Patient Cohort: A Retrospective Analysis of a Greek Referral Centre and Future Perspectives

“…Patients suspected for dermatitis were included in the present study after going through admittance and diagnosis in our department [ 4 ]. In case a patient was under treatment including anti-inflammatory medication, cyclosporine, chronic use of corticosteroids, chemotherapeutics, and/or suffered from other chronic dermatopathies was excluded from the present study.…”

“…The patch testing procedure has been previously described in detail [ 4 ]. Patch testing was performed according to the guidelines of the European Society of Contact Dermatitis [ 5 ].…”

“…The optimal exposure time was maintained at 48 h. The clinical evaluation took place at 48 h, 2-4 days, and 7 days after the first exposure to allergens, as previously suggested [ 3 , 5 ]. Allergic reaction was evaluated according to the criteria of the International Contact Dermatitis Research Group (ICDRG) and everything else as negative (including irritant reactions) [ 4 ].…”

“…The results were documented to an electronic database. In the case of the patient's repeated admittance, during our study period, only the initial patch test result was considered as previously described [ 4 ].…”

“…For that reason, a baseline of substances has been set as the “standard” termed the “European baseline series” [ 3 ]. This series includes several categories of metals, fragrances, preservatives, rubbers, topical therapeutics, and excipients [ 4 ]. Further, substances have been proposed, which have been used only on occasion based on the regional habits studies have been performed in.…”