Reactivity at edges of corticosteroid patch tests may be an indicator of a strong positive test response.
BACKGROUND
The importance of the reactivity at the edges of corticosteroid patch tests is unknown.


OBJECTIVE
To study the clinical importance of edge reactivity in budesonide patch tests.


METHODS
Ten subjects previously positive for budesonide patch tests were retested with 0.1% budesonide in Finn Chambers((R)) and with budesonide-printed polyester squares in serial doses (150-0.074 microg/cm(2)). Six exposure periods were used for each polyester square dose (3 h to 4 days). Tests were followed up to 11 days. Doubtful or weakly visible reactivity at the test edges was assessed additionally by test perfusion assessments.


RESULTS
Nine of 10 subjects reacted with some edge reactivity and later exhibited positive reactions. Perfusion assessments helped to confirm early edge reactivity. Some allergic subjects showed edge reactivity only at high doses, while longer applications were required for weaker doses.


CONCLUSIONS
Edge reactivity may be an indicator of a strong suppressed test response.
Bjarnason
B
B
Department of Dermatology, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. bolli@uab.edu
Flosadóttir
E
E
Fischer
T
T
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D019819:Budesonide; D004306:Dose-Response Relationship, Immunologic; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D014644:Genetic Variation / Q000187:drug effects; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D006801:Humans; D017078:Laser-Doppler Flowmetry; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010328:Patch Tests / Q000379:methods*; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects; D013997:Time Factors
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D019819:Budesonide