Epicutaneous patch test reactions in atopic dermatitis patients.

During the 1998-2003 period, patch testing was carried out in 65 atopic dermatitis patients, 20 (31%) male and 45 (69%) female, mean age 34.7 (range 6-77) years. Twenty-six (40%) patients, 7 (27%) male and 19 (73%) female, showed positive reaction to one or more allergens. Allergic reactions were more common in women. The most common allergens were nickel (33.3%), cobalt (11.1%), fragrance mix (11.1%), white mercury precipitate (8.4%), and others (36.1%). There was a significant association between nickel allergy and cobalt allergy. It is concluded that contact hypersensitivity is not rare in patients with atopic dermatitis.