Patch-test-induced subjective complaints.
BACKGROUND
Many patients report subjective complaints during epicutaneous patch testing.


OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate the possible relationship between the occurrence of subjective complaints and patch testing.


METHODS
All consecutive patients who were referred to our clinic for patch testing, during 1 year, were investigated to study a possible association of the patch test procedure and subjective complaints like tiredness, shakiness or feeling unwell. The patients were asked to fill in a form concerning subjective complaints on the days of the investigation. Only those without complaints on the day the patches were applied were included in the study (n=102).


RESULTS
Of the 102 patients, 17 had complaints on both days 2 and 3, 14 only on day 2, 6 only on day 3 and 65 did not develop any complaints at all. The number of patients with complaints on both days 2 and 3 (n=17) was larger than was to be expected from chance (n=4.6; p<0.01). There was a significant correlation between the number of positive patch test reactions and the number of complaints on day 2 (r=0.19; p<<0.001) and on day 3 (r=0.15; p<0.001). Positive patch tests were found in 72.2% of the patients who reported the complaint of shakiness; this proportion is significantly higher than expected from chance (p<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The results confirm those of our earlier study and demonstrate that patch testing can cause subjective complaints, especially when positive patch tests are present.
Kamphof
W G
WG
Department of Occupational Dermatology, Free University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Kunkeler
L
L
Bikkers
S C E
SC
Bezemer
P D
PD
Bruynzeel
D P
DP
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004244:Dizziness / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D005221:Fatigue / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006261:Headache / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D010328:Patch Tests / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011336:Probability; D011537:Pruritus / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D012016:Reference Values; D017678:Sex Distribution; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors