Patch Testing in Patients with Suspected Footwear Dermatitis: A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND Footwear dermatitis represents a common but often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed condition. Patch testing aids in its confirmation and identification of the offending allergen. AIMS This study aimed to find the frequency of positive patch test reactions in cases with suspected allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to footwear, as well as the common responsible allergens. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a retrospective record based study of 37 patients, with suspected ACD to footwear, who underwent patch testing with Indian standard series and Indian footwear series from July 2012 to July 2015. RESULTS The majority of patients (45.94%) belonged to the age group of 20-40 years. Dorsal aspects of feet (81.08%) and soles (18.92%) were the common sites involved. Patch test was positive in 18.92% patients. The most common causative allergens were hydroquinone monobenzylether (8.11%) and 4-aminoazobenzene (5.41%). CONCLUSION Common chemicals implicated in ACD were rubber, rubber additives, and dyes. The principal culprit allergens were hydroquinone monobenzylether and 4-aminoazobenzene.