title: Epicutaneous patch testing.
abstract: Epicutaneous patch testing is still regarded as the best method of diagnosing allergic contact dermatitis. The present patch test technique is the result of a continuous process of development and improvement since its first application in the late 19th century. During the last decades of the 20th century a lot of effort was put into standardization of materials and methods used in patch testing. Patch tests can be used to confirm a suspected allergic contact dermatitis and either to recommend avoidance of particular products or to recommend alternative products in a particular patient. The true rate of clinically relevant hypersensitivity in positive patch test reactions remains to a great extent unknown. The ideal patch test should cause as few adverse reactions as possible, but a lot of adverse reactions have been described. How-ever, it has to be noted that the overall risk-benefit equation of patch testing is in favor of the benefit, if performed correctly and with the proper indications. A careful history taking and attention to the clinical picture are key actions to facilitate the interpretation of the clinical relevance of the epicutaneous patch test results.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Ghent University Hospital, Kerkstraat 33/3, 8400 Oostende, Belgium. dr.Devos.S@pandora.be
authors.forename: Steven A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Devos
authors.forename: Pieter G M
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Van Der Valk
mesh_terms: D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010328:Patch Tests / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens