EVALUATION OF PATCH TESTING IN CONTACT DERMATITIS PATIENTS ATTENDING TERTIARY CARE CENTRE IN KARAIKAL

Introduction: Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a growing concern due to increased use of cosmetics and topical medications routinely and exposure to a large number of allergens on day-to-day basis. Patch testing is a reliable method for detecting the causative antigens in suspected cases. Aims And Objectives: To assess the demographic profile, pattern of ACD, and patch test profile of suspected cases of ACD attending contact dermatitis clinic of our department. Materials And Methods: It was a prospective study in which all the patients with suspected ACD attending OPD of department of dermatology over a 3 month period were analysed. Patch testing was done using the most common antigens primarily, and other batteries were used depending on patient requirement and availability. Results: A total of 50 patients were enrolled in the contact dermatitis clinic over a period of 3 months. Hand eczema was the most common pattern seen in 23 cases followed by feet eczema, hand and foot eczema, facial eczema, forearm and leg eczema and photoallergic contact eczema. A total of 32 (64%) gave positive patch test results, with nickel sulfate being the most common allergen identified followed by cobalt sulfate & potassium dichromate. Conclusion: Common allergens identified in our study were more or less similar to studies from other parts of India

The relevancy of patch testing in the exploration of the cutaneous side effects of herbal medicine

Background: Data on the cutaneous side effects of herbal medicine is scarce, especially with regard to allergy skin testing. Our objective was to determine the relevancy of patch testing in the exploration of the cutaneous side effects of herbal medicine. Material and Methods: A prospective study was conducted in the Department of Dermatology of the Hospital Institute of Social Hygiene of Dakar over a one-year period. Patch tests were given to patients with cutaneous side effects related to the exclusive use of herbal medicine. The plants recovered were turned into macerates and powders and mixed with Vaseline at concentrations of 5%, 20%, and 30%. Results: Patch tests were given to 31 of the 53 patients included. They were positive in 11 patients (35.48%). Positive patients displayed systemic eczema (n = 7/15 of cases), Stevens–Johnson syndrome (n = 2/3), contact eczema (n = 1/1), and fixed pigmented erythema (n = 1/2). Positive tests were obtained for 11 medicinal plants identified: Jatropha chevalieri (n = 2), Terminalia avicennoïde (n = 2), Detarium microcarpum, Acacia seyal, Acacia albida, Acacia italic, Sesamum indicum, Mangifera indica, Momordica charantia, Nauclea latifolia, and Anogeisius leiocarpus (in one case each). There was no statistically significant relationship between the type of cutaneous side effect and the test result (p = 0.388) and between the nature of the plant used and the test result (p = 0.402). Conclusion: In view of their high rates of positivity, patch tests could prove promising in the exploration of the cutaneous side effects of herbal medicine.

Nummular Contact Eczema: Presentation of a Pediatric Case

The etiopathogenesis of the nummular eczema is not fully known. Various causative factors have been proposed, and among these only a few studies investigate the relevance of contact allergy. Here, we present a case of nummular contact eczema in an 8-year-old allergic to perfumes. Since atopic dermatitis may also present with different clinical phenotypes, among which nummular eczema is quite frequent, the possible significant differences between non-atopic and atopic nummular diseases are considered. Based on the high incidence of contact sensitization in all cases of nummular eczema, it is recommended to perform patch tests for diagnostic-preventive purposes.

Body Piercing: A National Survey in France

Background: There are no recent data available in France regarding body piercing (BP). Objective: We examined the demographics, motivations, quality of life, cutaneous conditions, and cutaneous side effects after BP within the French population. Methods: A representative sample of 5,000 individuals (aged 15 and over) from the general population responded to a survey online between April and August 2017. Data regarding demographics, BP characteristics (location, age at first piercing, hesitation, regrets, motivations, cutaneous side effects), tobacco, skin conditions (acne, contact eczema, atopic eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, vitiligo), and tattoos were collected. Respondents also filled an SF-12 quality of life questionnaire. Results: Overall, 12% of the respondents reported at least one BP (women: 19.4%, men: 8.4%, p < 0.01). The prevalence was highest among those aged between 25 and 34 years (25.8%). Individuals with BP were more likely to smoke (p < 0.01). The most common body parts for piercings were the external part of the ear (42%), the navel (24%), the tongue (15%), and the nose (11%). Gender differences included localization (belly button and nose for women, eyebrows for men) and motivations (embellishment of the body for women, individuality and sexuality for men). A total of 33.6% of the study participants reported having skin problems after BP, primarily infection (44%). Individuals with BPs were more likely to report having contact eczema, atopic dermatitis, and acne. BP was associated with a lower mental quality of life score. Conclusion: This is the largest epidemiological study on BP in France to date. It allows us to draw a precise current snapshot of French indi viduals with BP.