Publication: Common Contact Sensitizers among Patients with Hand Eczema: A Multicenter-Study in Nepal
Date
2016
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Society of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists of Nepal (SODVELON)
Abstract
Abstract:
Introduction: Allergic contact dermatitis in Nepal is not an uncommon disorder. Patch testing is a well established method of diagnosing allergic contact dermatitis. Patients with contact dermatitis are well known to have impaired quality of life which often leads to frequent dermatological consultations.
Objective: Lack of data from Nepal has prompted us to undertake this study with the aims to know the frequency of allergic contact dermatitis and the commonest contact allergens among the patients with Hand eczema attending the out-patient department of dermatology, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences and Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital.
Material and Methods: A total of 256 patients were included in the study. Out of them 195 with hand eczema agreed to participate and undergo patch testing. The antigens used included the Indian standard series of patch test allergens approved by Contact and Occupational Dermatoses Forum of India.
Results: Hundred and ten cases (56.4%) were patch test positive (PTP) at 48 as well as 96 hours to at least one allergen. PTP was seen more commonly in females. The most common allergen in females was nickel sulphate followed by cobalt chloride, gentamicin and mercapto mix while males were positive to potassium dichromate, followed by epoxy resin, fragrance mix and nickel sulphate.
Conclusion: Patch testing has proved a useful tool for the detection of allergic contact dermatitis and for identification of contact allergens. When positive reactions correlate with environmental exposure the test usually assists the physician in establishing the cause of dermatitis, hence treating the patients and improving their quality of life.
Keywords: Hand Eczema, Contact Allergen, Patch test
Description
S. Bhattarai
Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Kathmandu Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Sinamangal
A. Rijal
Professor, Department of Dermatology and Venereology, B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan
S. Agrawal
Professor and Head, Department of Dermatology and Venereology, B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan