title: Evaluation of contact sensitization in vulvar lichen simplex chronicus. A proposal for a battery of selected allergens.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the role of contact sensitization in vulvar lichen simplex chronicus and to select appropriate batteries of allergens to test.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between 1993 and 2000, 61 women affected by vulvar lichen simplex chronicus were enrolled to evaluate the role of contact hypersensitivity. All the patients underwent patch tests with the Italian standard series and with a wide battery of allergens (preservatives, perfumes, emulsifiers, medicaments) and products they used routinely.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the women, 47.5% had at least one positive patch test, and relevant positivities were observed in 26%. The relevant allergens were usually medicaments and preservatives.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It would be acceptable to reduce the number of allergens tested, in particular omitting the perfume series. Patch tests are a helpful diagnostic tool in vulvar lichen simplex chronicus and improve prescribing practice.
authors.affiliation: Section of Dermatology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Savonarola, 9, 44100 Ferrara, Italy. vri@unife.it
authors.forename: Annarosa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Virgili
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bacilieri
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Corazza
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects; D015331:Cohort Studies; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization; D015994:Incidence; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009450:Neurodermatitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology*; D010328:Patch Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014845:Vulvar Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens