Contact allergic reactions on the eyes and eyelids.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the most important causes of contact allergic reactions on the eyes and eyelids.


METHODS
This retrospective study provides an analysis of patch-test results obtained in a population of 1554 patients suffering from conjunctivitis and/or dermatitis on the eyelids, out of a total population of 9035 patients investigated for contact allergy between January 1990 and October 2003. If indicated, also prick testing with a latex extract was performed.


RESULTS
864 (56%) of the patients with eye- and/or eyelid-involvement presented with a positive reaction to at least one of the contact allergens tested. The main sensitisation sources were topical pharmaceutical products (antibiotics, corticosteroids), cosmetics (fragrance components, preservatives, emulsifiers, hair-care and nail products), metals (nickel), rubber derivatives, resins (e.g. epoxy resin), and plants. Also latex-allergy (immediate-type sensitivity presenting as a contact-urticaria syndrome) was a frequent finding in such patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Contact allergy is a common cause of eyelid dermatitis in particular and the allergens may reach the skin in many different ways.
Goossens
A
A
Department of Dermatology, University Hospital K. U. Leuven, Belgium. an.goossens@uz.kuleuven.ac.be
D000485:Allergens / Q000145:classification; D003231:Conjunctivitis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005141:Eyelid Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male
D000485:Allergens