Prevalence of contact allergens in a Hispanic population.

BACKGROUND Patch testing has been used as a screening tool to identify those allergens responsible for the development of allergic contact dermatitis. The objectives of this study were to identify the most common allergens found at the Patch Testing Clinic (PTC) of the Department of Dermatology, Medical Sciences Campus (MSC) University of Puerto Rico (UPR), to correlate patch testing results with demographics and clinical data, and to compare the results with similar studies in other institutions. METHODS A retrospective analysis of the records of patients who underwent patch testing for suspected acute allergic contact dermatitis at the Department of Dermatology of the Medical Sciences Campus of the UPR, from March 31, 2001 to May 31, 2005. Information regarding demographics, medical history, occupation, and test results was retrieved. RESULTS The most common allergens identified were: carba mix, nickel sulphate, thiuram mix, paratertiary butylphenol formaldehyde resin, paraphenylenediamine, and neomycin sulphate. The most commonly affected area was the hands. A correlation was observed between paratertiary butylphenol and involvement of the feet, paraphenylenediamine and generalized dermatitis, and potassium dichromate and occupational exposure. CONCLUSIONS Patch testing remains a worthwhile and quick diagnostic tool for the evaluation of patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis.