title: Allergic contact dermatitis in Iran.
abstract: The frequency of sensitization to contact allergens varies in different countries because of both genetic and, more importantly, allergen exposure variations. The objective is to determine the frequency of sensitization to contact allergens in Iranian patients with dermatitis. 250 patients with a clinical diagnosis of contact dermatitis and/or atopic dermatitis were evaluated with a 28-allergen screening series recommended by the German Contact Dermatitis Research Group from September 2002 to April 2004 in Tehran, Iran. The patches were applied on the back of the patients, removed after 24 hr and the readings were taken on 24 hr, 48 hr and 72 hr after application. 126 patients (50.4%) showed at least 1 positive reaction, and 23 patients (9.2%) had more than 2 positive reactions. 189 (84.4%) of 224 positive reactions had past and/or present clinical relevance. The 5 most common allergens were nickel sulfate 70 (28.0%), cobalt chloride 32 (12.8%), para-tertiarybutyl phenol formaldehyde resin 20 (8.0%), potassium dichromate 13 (5.2%) and colophony 13 (5.2%). Contact allergy to nickel sulfate was significantly more common in female patients and in patients under 40 years of age (P < 0.05). Nickel sulfate is the most common contact allergen in Iran, mostly affecting women and younger patients probably because of more exposure.
authors.affiliation: Center for Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy, Tehran University of Mediacal Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran. firozali@sina.tums.ac.ir
authors.forename: Mansour Nassiri
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Kashani
authors.forename: Farzam
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Gorouhi
authors.forename: Feraydoun
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Behnia
authors.forename: Mohammad Javad
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Nazemi
authors.forename: Yahya
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Dowlati
authors.forename: Alireza
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Firooz
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000485:Allergens / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002648:Child; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007492:Iran / Q000453:epidemiology; D007509:Irritants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D009532:Nickel / Q000009:adverse effects; D010328:Patch Tests / Q000379:methods; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D007509:Irritants; C029938:nickel sulfate; D009532:Nickel