A review of the impact of patch testing on quality of life in allergic contact dermatitis

Introduction: Allergic contact dermatitis in Nepal is not an uncommon disorder. Patch testing is a well established method of diagnosing allergic contact dermatitis. Patients with contact dermatitis are well known to have impaired quality of life which often leads to frequent dermatological consultations.Objective: Lack of data from Nepal has prompted us to undertake this study with the aims to know the frequency of allergic contact dermatitis and the commonest contact allergens among the patients with Hand eczema attending the out-patient department of dermatology, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences and Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital.Material and Methods: A total of 256 patients were included in the study. Out of them 195 with hand eczema agreed to participate and undergo patch testing. The antigens used included the Indian standard series of patch test allergens approved by Contact and Occupational Dermatoses Forum of India.Results: Hundred and ten cases (56.4%) were patch test positive (PTP) at 48 as well as 96 hours to at least one allergen. PTP was seen more commonly in females. The most common allergen in females was nickel sulphate followed by cobalt chloride, gentamicin and mercapto mix while males were positive to potassium dichromate, followed by epoxy resin, fragrance mix and nickel sulphate.Conclusion: Patch testing has proved a useful tool for the detection of allergic contact dermatitis and for identification of contact allergens. When positive reactions correlate with environmental exposure the test usually assists the physician in establishing the cause of dermatitis, hence treating the patients and improving their quality of life.Nepal Journal of Dermatology, Venereology & Leprology, Vol.14(1) 2016, pp.14-17

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Quality of Life of Patients with Allergic Contact Dermatitis: An Exploratory Analysis by Gender, Ethnicity, Age, and Occupation

Dermatitis ◽

10.2310/6620.2004.04007 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 15 (03) ◽

pp. 117 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Deana L. Kadyk ◽

Sandra Hall ◽

Donald V. Belsito

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Contact Dermatitis ◽

Allergic Contact Dermatitis ◽

Exploratory Analysis ◽

Allergic Contact

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Impact of Allergic Contact Dermatitis on the Quality of Life and Work Productivity

Dermatology Research and Practice ◽

10.1155/2019/3797536 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2019 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

H. Kalboussi ◽

I. Kacem ◽

H. Aroui ◽

O. El Maalel ◽

M. Maoua ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Contact Dermatitis ◽

Daily Activity ◽

Productivity Loss ◽

Work Productivity ◽

Occupational Activity ◽

Activity Impairment ◽

Allergic Contact ◽

The Impact

Background. Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a common chronic skin disease that generates considerable public-health and socioeconomic costs. This disease affects the quality of life and the occupational activity of patients. Aims. To assess the quality of life (QOL) of patients with ACD and study the impact of this disease on their work productivity. Methods. This is a cross-sectional study carried out from January 2012 to December 2014. All patients diagnosed with ACD in the Dermato-Allergology Unit of the Occupational Medicine Department at Farhat Hached University Hospital, in Sousse, were included. The impact of skin disease on the QOL of affected persons was assessed using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). The work productivity was measured using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Allergic Specific questionnaire (WPAI: AS). Results. The study population consisted of 150 patients. The average score of DLQI was 6.5. Over the previous 7 days, absenteeism rate was 25.9 ± 15.3%, presenteeism rate was 50.2 ± 32%, overall work productivity loss was 29.6 ± 19.4%, and daily activity impairment was 50.4 ± 32.3%. The DLQI score was significantly associated with atopy (p = 0.03), relapses strictly greater than 10 (p = 0.02), presenteeism (p <10−3), overall work productivity loss (p = 0.01), and daily activity impairment (p = 0.03). Conclusion. The impact of ACD on QOL and occupational activity seems important and requires specific attention from the occupational physician.

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