Decoding the Allergen profile of population attending dermatology OPD in a tertiary care center in north Kerala with Patch test – Our 7 years experience

Authors

  • Zarina Usman Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, KMCT Medical College, Kozhikode, Kerala, India
  • Rajiv Sridharan Professor and HOD Dermatology, Government Medical College Kannur, Pariyaram, Kerala, India
  • Pamela Teresa Joseph Assistant Professor, DMWIMS Medical College, Wayanad, Kerala, India
  • Anoop Thyvalappil Professor, Government Medical College, Kannur, Kerala, India
  • Bifi Joy Professor, Government Medical College, Kannur, Kerala, India
  • Anoop Makkuni Professor, Government Medical College, Kannur, Kerala, India

Keywords:

Patch test, Allergic contact dermatitis, CODFI.

Abstract

Background: Patch testing is an integral part of the investigation to search for hidden and unknown allergens, proving the suspected allergen in allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). The Indian Standard Series (ISS), consisting of 20 allergens approved by the contact and occupational Dermatoses forum of India (CODFI), is available in India for this purpose. Aim: This study was undertaken to detect the common allergens responsible for causing ACD in our population. Study design: Retrospective and descriptive analysis. Methods: Data from 270 patients with allergic contact dermatitis who had undergone patch test with ISS during the study period, was collected from patchtest register maintained in the department. Statistical analysis used: SPSS software. Results: In this study of 270 patients, male to female ratio was 1.76:1. Patch test positivity was not significantly related to atopy. Most of the participants were aged between 21 to 60 years and 53.3% showed patch test positivity to one or more allergens. Construction workers constituted the majority (24.8%) and potassium dichromate (PPD) was the major sensitizer (16.7%). PPD was positive in 12.2 %, fragrance mix in 10% and nickel sulphate in 7.4%. Males showed higher and statistically significant patch test positivity than females. Fragrance mix was the predominant allergen in housewives. PPD was the most common offender in suspected contact dermatitis to hair dye and cosmetics. Nickel sulphate was the predominant sensitizer amongst painters and polishers. Conclusion: Patch test is a reliable tool in identifying the suspected allergen.

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Published

2021-12-24

How to Cite

Zarina Usman, Rajiv Sridharan, Pamela Teresa Joseph, Anoop Thyvalappil, Bifi Joy, & Anoop Makkuni. (2021). Decoding the Allergen profile of population attending dermatology OPD in a tertiary care center in north Kerala with Patch test – Our 7 years experience. International Journal of Health and Clinical Research, 4(23), 242–245. Retrieved from https://ijhcr.com/index.php/ijhcr/article/view/3678