To study prevalence of patch test results in pottery workers with suspected contact dermatitis with Indian standard series and ‘as is‘ patch test

Dr Swagata Arvind Tambe; Dr Hemangi Jerajani

Volume : IX, Issue : X, October - 2019

To study prevalence of patch test results in pottery workers with suspected contact dermatitis with Indian standard series and ‘as is‘ patch test

Dr Swagata Arvind Tambe, Dr Hemangi Jerajani

Abstract :

Background: Pottery making is a traditional family business in India. Prevalence of contact dermatitis (ACD) in potters is estimated to be 5–10%. Aims: To study the prevalence of allergic contact dermatitis in potters and to study prevalence of patch test results with Indian standard series and ‘as is’ patch test in the symptomatic potters. Methods and Material: Potters with or without history of allergic contact dermatitis were included. History and clinical examination were followed by patch testing with Indian standard series and with the clay material ‘as is’ in symptomatic potters. Results were studied and correlated with demographic profile, history of symptoms, direct or indirect contact with the clay. Results: Thirty–one potters participated in the study. Most of the potters (9/31) were in 4th decade with M:F ratio of 1:1.5. Twelve of 31 potters were working in this occupation since 11 to 20 yrs and 9 of 31 potters had daily contact with clay was for 10 to 12 hrs. Itching, scaling, oozing were common complaints. Forearm was the most commonly affected site. Out of 31 potters 22 were symptomatic. Patch test with universal series was positive in 72.72% of symptomatic patients. While ‘as is’ patch test was positive in 45.45 % patients. Conclusions: Patch testing with Indian standard series and ‘as is’ with clay material can be an effective method of diagnosing ACD in potters.