title: Burning mouth syndrome: patch test results from a large case series.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a burning or sore mouth in the absence of changes in the oral mucosa. It is often difficult to diagnose and treat. Numerous theories of the etiology have been suggested, including contact allergy.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To determine the clinical utility of patch testing in patients with BMS.
  
  
  METHODS
  We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients diagnosed with BMS who had patch testing performed between January 1, 2008, and July 31, 2012.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 142 consecutive patients with BMS, 132 consented to patch testing; 89 (67%) had allergic patch test reactions. Of the patients with positive results, 66 (74%) had results that were deemed to have possible relevance. The most common allergens detected were nickel sulfate 2.5%, dodecyl gallate 0.3%, octyl gallate 0.3%, fragrance mix 8%, benzoyl peroxide 1%, and cinnamic alcohol 1%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our findings suggest that contact allergy may be an etiologic factor in some patients with BMS. Patch testing is a useful investigation for BMS patients.
authors.forename: Carrie B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Lynde
authors.forename: Miriam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Grushka
authors.forename: Scott R A
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Walsh
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002054:Burning Mouth Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology*; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010328:Patch Tests; D012189:Retrospective Studies