title: Patch testing in discoid eczema.
abstract: We report a retrospective study of patch testing in patients with discoid eczema. 48 patients with persistent or severe discoid eczema were patch tested. The mean age of patients was 45 years and the median duration of symptoms was 6 months. 24 patients (50%) had positive patch tests, and 16 of these (33%) were considered to be clinically relevant. The most common allergens implicated were rubber chemicals, formaldehyde, neomycin, chrome, nickel (5, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2 reactions, respectively). 13 of 16 patients were followed up by telephone in 1996, and 8/13 (61%) stated they had benefited from patch testing. This study suggests allergic contact dermatitis is relatively common in persistent discoid eczema, and allergen avoidance may be of benefit. We recommend patch testing should be considered for all patients with severe or persistent discoid eczema.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Vale of Leven Hospital, Alexandria and Contact Dermatitis Investigation Unit, UK.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Fleming
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Parry
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Forsyth
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kemmett
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D004485:Eczema / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007509:Irritants / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010328:Patch Tests; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012606:Scotland
chemical_list: D007509:Irritants