Contact sensitization in patients with lower extremity dermatitis in the South Moravian region, Czech Republic.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to determine the frequency of contact sensitization in patients with lower extremity dermatitis.


METHODS
Between the years 2001 and 2007, the authors investigated 462 patients (mean age 49.1 years, 196 men and 266 women) with the eczema/dermatitis localized on their lower extremities, including feet. The patients were investigated with epicutaneous tests of the European Standard Series and also with other special patch tests.


RESULTS
The most frequent allergens were balsam of Peru, 44/462 (9.5%); wool alcohols, 41/462 (8.9%); nickel sulphate, 39/462 (8.4%); propolis, 35/462 (7.6%); fragrance mix, 34 (7.4%) and colophony, 29/462 (6.3%).


CONCLUSIONS
In patients with lower extremity dermatitis the frequency of contact sensitization is still high, and therefore investigation with epicutaneous tests should belong to the routine dermatological diagnostic procedure in these patients.
Necas
M
M
Ist Department of Dermatovenereology, St Anna Faculty Hospital, Pekarská 53, Brno 656 91, Czech Republic. miroslav.necas@fnusa.cz
Dastychová
E
E
D000818:Animals; D001453:Balsams / Q000009:adverse effects; D018153:Czech Republic / Q000453:epidemiology; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004485:Eczema / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009532:Nickel / Q000009:adverse effects; D010328:Patch Tests; D010476:Perfume / Q000009:adverse effects; D011429:Propolis / Q000009:adverse effects; D012116:Resins, Plant / Q000009:adverse effects; D014935:Wool / Q000009:adverse effects
D001453:Balsams; D010476:Perfume; D012116:Resins, Plant; C029938:nickel sulfate; D009532:Nickel; C013893:rosin; C025080:Peruvian balsam; D011429:Propolis