A retrospective study of patients with facial allergic contact dermatitis patch tested with the European standard series in Turkey

Background: Moisturizers are cosmetic products used routinely to manage various skin conditions. Even though moisturizers are often thought to have minimal or no adverse reactions, allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to these products can develop in some cases. Methods: We studied ingredients included in 3 of the most commonly used moisturizer brands, identified their presence in standard patch testing series, and evaluated their allergenic potential, categorizing the allergens as frequent or infrequent. The standard patch testing series used as reference were the Thin-layer Rapid Use Epicutaneous patch test (T.R.U.E. test), the North American Contact Dermatitis Group (NACDG) screening standard series, and the American Contact Dermatitis Society (ACDS) core allergen series. Results: Aveeno, Cetaphil, and Cerave products had a total of 12, 14, and 9 potential allergens, respectively, the majority of which were infrequent and not included in standard patch testing series. Conclusion: Being aware of the allergenic potential of commonly used moisturizers may help healthcare providers when evaluating patients with ACD. Further testing is recommended in a targeted manner when suspecting ACD with negative standard patch testing series or when ACD is refractory to treatment.

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Patch Testing in Suspected Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Cosmetics

Dermatology Research and Practice ◽

10.1155/2014/695387 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

pp. 1-5 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Pramod Kumar ◽

Rekha Paulose

Keyword(s):

Contact Dermatitis ◽

Allergic Contact Dermatitis ◽

Patch Testing ◽

Age Group ◽

Cosmetic Products ◽

Standard Series ◽

Hair Dyes ◽

Common Allergen ◽

Cosmetic Product ◽

Allergic Contact

Background. Increasing use of cosmetics has contributed to a rise in the incidence of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to cosmetics. It is estimated that 1–5.4% of the population is sensitized to a cosmetic ingredient. Patch testing helps to confirm the presence of an allergy and to identify the actual allergens which are chemical mixtures of various ingredients.Objectives. The aims of this study are to perform patch testing in suspected ACD to cosmetics and to identify the most common allergen and cosmetic product causing dermatitis.Methods. Fifty patients with suspected ACD to cosmetics were patch-tested with 38 antigens of the Indian Cosmetic Series and 12 antigens of the Indian Standard Series.Results. The majority (58%) of patients belonged to the 21–40 years age group. The presence of ACD to cosmetics was confirmed in 38 (76%) patients. Face creams (20%), hair dyes (14%), and soaps (12%) were the most commonly implicated. The most common allergens identified were gallate mix (40%), cetrimide (28%), and thiomersal (20%). Out of a total of 2531 patches applied, positive reactions were obtained in 3.75%.Conclusion. Incidence of ACD to cosmetics was greater in females. Face creams and hair dyes were the most common cosmetic products implicated. The principal allergens were gallate mix, cetrimide, and thiomersal.

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