Evaluation of contact sensitization in vulvar lichen simplex chronicus. A proposal for a battery of selected allergens.
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.
Virgili
Annarosa
A
Section of Dermatology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Savonarola, 9, 44100 Ferrara, Italy. vri@unife.it
Bacilieri
Sandra
S
Corazza
Monica
M
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*
D000485:Allergens