Prevalence of eyelid dermatitis in primary Sjögren's syndrome.
BACKGROUND
The eyelid dermatitis seen in elderly patients is a relatively heterogenous and troublesome disease. Most cases seem to be idiopathic and show resistance to standard dermatologic therapy.


METHODS
Fifty-two patients with primary definite Sjögren's syndrome (4 men, 48 women, mean age 54 years) were enrolled in this study, and the prevalence of eyelid dermatitis was investigated. Diagnostic criteria for Sjögren's syndrome were based on the criteria proposed by the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare. Patch test was performed using ICDRG-European standard allergens and/or eye drops, hair dye, and cosmetics.


RESULTS
Of the 52 patients, 22 showed eyelid dermatitis. These changes were much more frequent in elderly patients and showed a good correlation with the presence of ocular dry sensation. No significant difference was observed in clinical and other laboratory findings between patients with or without eyelid dermatitis. Although 8 of the 13 patients showed positive patch test reaction to various allergens, no close relationship existed between the use of a suspected substance and the onset or severity of eyelid dermatitis.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that the presence of rubbing dermatitis of the eyelid may be one of the cutaneous manifestations of Sjögren's syndrome.
Katayama
I
I
Department of Dermatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, School of Medicine, Japan.
Koyano
T
T
Nishioka
K
K
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000485:Allergens; D001762:Blepharitis / Q000209:etiology; D003872:Dermatitis / Q000209:etiology*; D004487:Edema / Q000209:etiology; D005141:Eyelid Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017512:Lichenoid Eruptions / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012859:Sjogren's Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D017444:Skin Diseases, Papulosquamous / Q000209:etiology; D014985:Xerophthalmia / Q000209:etiology
D000485:Allergens