Identification of Allergen Pattern in Allergic Contact  Dermatitis in Leg Ulcer Patients: A Saims Experience

Dr Kailash Bhatia; Dr Suneel Malpani; Dr Zainab Hussian Safderi; Dr Ravindra Kumar

Volume : IV, Issue : III, March - 2014

Identification of Allergen Pattern in Allergic Contact Dermatitis in Leg Ulcer Patients: A Saims Experience

Dr Kailash Bhatia, Dr Suneel Malpani, Dr Zainab Hussian Safderi, Dr Ravindra Kumar

Abstract :

Introduction: Contact allergic dermatitis poses a significant impediment to healing of leg ulcers and local skin care. This study was designed to determine the frequency of contact sensitivity, prevalence of individual allergens, polyvalent sensitization and/or their relationship to ulcer duration in population of chronic leg ulcer patients. Material and Method: Forty patients (36 male and 4 females) were patch tested to determine the prevalence of contact hypersensitivity in chronic leg ulcers. Patients were patch tested with a battery of 34 allergens from Indian standard patch test series and medicament series. Results: Twenty (50%) patients showed positive patch test reactions to one or more allergen. Polyvalent sensitization was found in 14 (35%) patients. Antimicrobial group of allergens ranked highest in causing contact sensitization with 62.3% positive patch test reaction, followed by topical excipient group with 13.2% positive patch test reaction. Frequency of sensitization was found to be high in chronic leg ulcer patients. Conclusion: Patch test should be used to identify the topical agents that maybe responsible for perpetuation or aggravation of ulcer and surrounding eczema, especially in patients who do not improve despite adequate treatment of other underlying cause