Allergic patch test reactions associated with cosmetics: retrospective analysis of cross-sectional data from the North American Contact Dermatitis Group, 2001-2004.
BACKGROUND
Allergy to cosmetics is common.


OBJECTIVE
We sought to characterize patients with positive patch test reactions associated with a cosmetic source, to identify common allergens; and to explore gender and occupational associations.


METHODS
We performed a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis.


RESULTS
Of 6621 female and 3440 male patients, 1582 female (23.8%) and 611 of male (17.8%) patients had at least one allergic patch test reaction associated with a cosmetic source. Of "allergic" patients (>1 allergic reaction, n = 6815), females were 1.21 times more likely to have an allergic reaction associated with a cosmetic source than were male patients (p < .0001, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12-1.31). Within the "cosmetic allergic" group (n = 2243), head and neck involvement was significantly higher in female than in male patients (49.3% vs 23.7%, p < .0001). One hundred twenty-five patients had occupationally related allergic reactions associated with a cosmetic.


CONCLUSIONS
This study is limited by its cross-sectional, retrospective design.


CONCLUSIONS
Of all patients studied, 21.8% had an allergic reaction associated with a cosmetic. Site of dermatitis, cosmetic categories, and specific allergens differed somewhat by gender.
Warshaw
Erin M
EM
Department of Dermatology, University of Minnesota, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
Buchholz
Heather J
HJ
Belsito
Donald V
DV
Maibach
Howard I
HI
Fowler
Joseph F
JF
Rietschel
Robert L
RL
Zug
Kathryn A
KA
Mathias
C G Toby
CG
Pratt
Melanie D
MD
Sasseville
Denis
D
Storrs
Frances J
FJ
Taylor
James S
JS
Deleo
Vincent A
VA
Marks
James G
JG
D003358:Cosmetics / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010328:Patch Tests; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D003358:Cosmetics