Matthew J. Zirwas

North American Contact Dermatitis Group patch test results: 2009 to 2010.

Background Patch testing is an important diagnostic tool for determination of substances responsible for allergic contact dermatitis. Objective This study reports the North American Contact Dermatitis Group (NACDG) patch testing results from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2010. Methods At 12 centers in North America, patients were tested in a standardized manner with a screening series of 70 allergens. Data were manually verified and entered into a central database. Descriptive frequencies were calculated, and trends were analyzed using &khgr;2 statistics. Results A total of 4308 patients were tested. Of these, 2614 (60.7%) had at least 1 positive reaction, and 2284 (46.3%) were ultimately determined to have a primary diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis. Four hundred twenty-seven (9.9%) patients had occupationally related skin disease. There were 6855 positive allergic reactions. As compared with the previous reporting period (2007–2008), the positive reaction rates statistically decreased for 20 allergens (nickel, neomycin, Myroxylon pereirae, cobalt, formaldehyde, quaternium 15, methydibromoglutaronitrile/phenoxyethanol, methylchlorisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone, potassium dichromate, diazolidinyl urea, propolis, dimethylol dimethylhydantoin, 2-bromo-2-nitro-1,3-propanediol, methyl methacrylate, ethyl acrylate, glyceryl thioglycolate, dibucaine, amidoamine, clobetasol, and dimethyloldihydroxyethyleneurea; P < 0.05) and statistically increased for 4 allergens (fragrance mix II, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, propylene glycol, and benzocaine; P < 0.05). Approximately one quarter of tested patients had at least 1 relevant allergic reaction to a non-NACDG allergen. Hypothetically, approximately one quarter of reactions detected by NACDG allergens would have been missed by TRUE TEST (SmartPractice Denmark, Hillerød, Denmark). Conclusions These results affirm the value of patch testing with many allergens.

North American contact dermatitis group patch test results: 2011-2012.

BackgroundPatch testing is an important diagnostic tool for assessment of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). ObjectiveThis study documents the North American Contact Dermatitis Group (NACDG) patch-testing results from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2012. MethodsAt 12 centers in North America, patients were tested in a standardized manner with a series of 70 allergens. Data were manually verified and entered into a central database. Descriptive frequencies were calculated, and trends analyzed using &khgr;2 statistics. ResultsFour thousand two hundred thirty-eight patients were tested; of these, 2705 patients (63.8%) had at least 1 positive reaction, and 2029 (48.0%) were ultimately determined to have a primary diagnosis of ACD. Four hundred eight patients (9.6%) had occupationally related skin disease. There were 7532 positive allergic reactions. As compared with previous reporting periods (2009–2010 and 2000–2010), positive reaction rates statistically increased for 6 allergens: methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (5.0%; risk ratios [RRs]: 2.01 [1.60–2.52], 1.87 [1.61–2.18]), lanolin alcohol (4.6%; RRs 1.83 [1.45–2.30], 2.10 [1.79–2.47]), cinnamic aldehyde (3.9%; 1.69 [1.32–2.15], 1.53 [1.28–1.82]), glutaral (1.5%; 1.67 [1.13–2.48], 1.31 [1.00–1.71]), paraben mix (1.4%; 1.77 [1.16–2.69], 1.44 [1.09–1.92]), and fragrance mix I (12.1%; RRs 1.42 [1.25–1.61], 1.24 [1.14–1.36]). Compared with the previous decade, positivity rates for all formaldehyde-releasing preservatives significantly decreased (formaldehyde 6.6%; RR, 0.82 [0.73, 0.93]; quaternium-15 6.4% RR 0.75 [0.66, 0.85]; diazolidinyl urea 2.1%; RR, 0.67 [0.54, 0.84]; imidazolidinyl urea 1.6%, 0.60 [0.47, 0.77]; bronopol 1.6%; RR, 0.60 [0.46, 0.77]; DMDM hydantoin 1.6%; RR, 0.59 [0.54, 0.84]). Approximately a quarter of patients had at least 1 relevant allergic reaction to a non-NACDG allergen. In addition, approximately one-fourth to one-third of reactions detected by NACDG allergens would have been hypothetically missed by T.R.U.E. TEST (SmartPractice Denmark, Hillerød, Denmark). ConclusionsThese data document the beginning of the epidemic of sensitivity to methylisothiazolinones in North America, which has been well documented in Europe. Patch testing with allergens beyond a standard screening tray is necessary for complete evaluation of occupational and nonoccupational ACD.

The role of Malassezia in atopic dermatitis affecting the head and neck of adults

Atopic dermatitis is a common chronic skin condition. A subset of patients with head and neck dermatitis may have a reaction to Malassezia flora fueling their disease. Although there are no documented differences in Malassezia species colonization, patients with head and neck atopic dermatitis are more likely to have positive skin prick test results and Malassezia-specific IgE compared with healthy control subjects and patients with atopy without head and neck dermatitis. There is no clear relationship with atopy patch testing. The reaction to Malassezia is likely related to both humoral- and cell-mediated immunity. Clinically, Malassezia allergy may be suspected in patients with atopic dermatitis and: (1) head and neck lesions; (2) exacerbations during adolescence or young adulthood; (3) severe lesions recalcitrant to conventional therapy; and (4) other atopic diseases. There is literature to suggest that these patients will benefit from a 1- to 2-month course of daily itraconazole or ketoconazole followed by long-term weekly treatment.

North American Contact Dermatitis Group patch test results for 2007-2008.

BackgroundThe North American Contact Dermatitis Group (NACDG) tests patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis to a broad series of screening allergens and publishes periodic reports. ObjectiveThe aims of this study were to report the NACDG patch-testing results from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2008, and to compare results to pooled test data from the previous 2 and 10 years to analyze trends in allergen sensitivity. Methods and MaterialsStandardized patch testing with 65 allergens was used at 13 centers in North America. &khgr;2 analysis was used for comparisons. ResultsA total of 5085 patients were tested; 11.8% (598) had an occupationally related skin condition, and 65.3% (3319) had at least 1 allergic patch test reaction, which is identical to the NACDG data from 2005 to 2006. The top 15 most frequently positive allergens were nickel sulfate (19.5%), Myroxylon pereirae (11.0%), neomycin (10.1%), fragrance mix I (9.4%), quaternium-15 (8.6%), cobalt chloride (8.4%), bacitracin (7.9%), formaldehyde (7.7%), methyldibromoglutaronitrile/phenoxyethanol (5.5%), p-phenylenediamine (5.3%), propolis (4.9%), carba mix (4.5%), potassium dichromate (4.1%), fragrance mix II (3.6%), and methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (3.6%). There were significant increases in positivity rates to nickel, methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone, and benzophenone-3. During the same period of study, there were significant decreases in positivity rates to neomycin, fragrance mix I, formaldehyde, thiuram mix, cinnamic aldehyde, propylene glycol, epoxy resin, diazolidinyl urea, amidoamine, ethylenediamine, benzocaine, p-tert-butylphenol formaldehyde resin, dimethylol dimethyl hydantoin, cocamidopropyl betaine, glutaraldehyde, mercaptobenzothiazole, tosylamide formaldehyde resin, budesonide, disperse blue 106, mercapto mix, and chloroxylenol. Twenty-four percent (1221) had a relevant positive reaction to a non-NACDG supplementary allergen; and 180 of these reactions were occupationally relevant. ConclusionsPeriodic analysis, surveillance, and publication of multicenter study data sets document trends in allergen reactivity incidence assessed in the patch test clinic setting and provide information on new allergens of relevance.

Acquired Palmoplantar Keratoderma

Palmoplantar keratodermas (PPKs) are a diverse entity of disorders that are characterized by abnormal thickening of the skin on the palms and soles. Traditionally they have been classified as either hereditary or acquired and are distinguished from each other on the basis of mode of inheritance, presence of transgrediens (defined as contiguous extension of hyperkeratosis beyond the palmar and/or plantar skin), co-morbidities with other symptoms, and extent of epidermal involvement, namely diffuse, focal, and punctate. As the terms hyperkeratosis and keratoderma have been used interchangeably throughout the literature, we define acquired keratoderma as a non-hereditary, non-frictional hyperkeratosis of the palms and/or soles that involves ≥50% of the surface of involved acral areas and that may or may not be associated with clinical and histologic inflammation.Given the numerous possible underlying causes for acquired PPKs, evaluation of patients presenting with acquired PPK can be a perplexing task. To facilitate such evaluations, this review categorizes the acquired PPKs as: keratoderma climactericum, drug related, malnutrition associated, chemically induced, systemic disease related, malignancy associated, dermatoses related, infectious, and idiopathic. In order to avoid the possibility of overlooking an underlying etiology and to eliminate excessive testing, we present an algorithm for assessing patients presenting with acquired PPK. The first step should include a comprehensive history and a physical examination, including a complete skin examination. If findings are consistent with a hereditary keratoderma, then a genetics consultation should be considered. Any findings suggestive of underlying conditions should be aggressively evaluated and treated. If no pertinent findings are identified after a history and a physical examination, laboratory and radiology studies should be undertaken in a systematic, logical fashion.In terms of treatment, the most successful results occur when the underlying etiology is diagnosed and treated. If no such etiology is evident, then conservative treatment options include topical keratolytics (urea, salicylic acid, lactic acid), repeated physical debridement, topical retinoids, topical psoralen plus UVA, and topical corticosteroids. Etretinate and acitretin have also shown some success as alternative treatments in recalcitrant cases.

Patch testing in children from 2005 to 2012: Results from the North American contact dermatitis group

BackgroundAllergic contact dermatitis is common in children. Epicutaneous patch testing is an important tool for identifying responsible allergens. ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to provide the patch test results from children (aged ⩽18 years) examined by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group from 2005 to 2012. MethodsThis is a retrospective analysis of children patch-tested with the North American Contact Dermatitis Group 65- or 70-allergen series. Frequencies and counts were compared with previously published data (2001–2004) using &khgr;2 statistics. ConclusionsA total of 883 children were tested during the study period. A percentage of 62.3% had ≥1 positive patch test and 56.7% had ≥1 relevant positive patch test. Frequencies of positive patch test and relevant positive patch test reaction were highest with nickel sulfate (28.1/25.6), cobalt chloride (12.3/9.1), neomycin sulfate (7.1/6.6), balsam of Peru (5.7/5.5), and lanolin alcohol 50% petrolatum vehicle (5.5/5.1). The ≥1 positive patch test and ≥1 relevant positive patch test in the children did not differ significantly from adults (≥19 years) or from previously tested children (2001–2004). The percentage of clinically relevant positive patch tests for 27 allergens differed significantly between the children and adults. A total of 23.6% of children had a relevant positive reaction to at least 1 supplemental allergen. Differences in positive patch test and relevant positive patch test frequencies between children and adults as well as test periods confirm the importance of reporting periodic updates of patch testing in children to enhance clinicians’ vigilance to clinically important allergens.

Systemic Contact Dermatitis

Systemic contact dermatitis (SCD) describes a cutaneous eruption in response to systemic exposure to an allergen. The exact pathologic mechanism remains uncertain. The broad spectrum of presentations that are often nonspecific can make it difficult for the clinician to suspect this disease, but it is an important diagnosis to consider in cases of recalcitrant, widespread, or recurrent dermatitis, in which patch testing often reveals allergy to nickel or balsam of Peru. Diagnosis and appropriate management can be life-altering for affected patients. This article on SCD provides an overview of the disease with descriptions of common allergens and some insight into the possible mechanism of action seen in SCD.

North American Contact Dermatitis Group Patch Test Results 2013-2014

Background Patch testing is the most important diagnostic tool for the assessment of allergic contact dermatitis. Objective This study documents the North American Contact Dermatitis Group (NACDG) patch testing results from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2014. Methods At 13 centers in North America, patients were tested in a standardized manner with a screening series of 70 allergens. Data were manually verified and entered into a central database. Descriptive frequencies were calculated, and trends were analyzed using &khgr;2 test. Results A total of 4871 patients were tested. There were 3255 patients (66.8%) who had at least 1 positive reaction and 2412 patients (49.5%) who were ultimately determined to have a primary diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis. A total of 434 patients (8.9%) had occupationally related skin disease. There were 9726 positive allergic reactions. Compared with the previous reporting periods (2011–2012 and 2001–2012, including at least three 2-year cycles), positive reaction rates for the top 25 screening allergens statistically increased for 2 allergens: methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (6.4%; risk ratios, 1.26 [1.07–1.50] and 2.08 [1.84–2.37]) and hydroxyethyl methacrylate (2.6%; risk ratios, 1.34 [1.02–1.76] and 1.23 [1.00–1.51]). Methylisothiazolinone, which was added to the screening series for this 2013–2014 cycle, had the third highest positive reaction rate of allergens tested (10.9%). Four other newly added allergen preparations—formaldehyde 2% (7%), diphenylguanidine (3.8%), propylene glycol 100% (2.8%), and benzophenone-4 (2.1%)—all had reaction rates greater than 2%. Twenty-one percent of tested patients had at least 1 relevant allergic reaction to an allergen not on the NACDG series; 14.6% of these were occupationally related. The T.R.U.E. TEST (SmartPractice Denmark, Hillerød, Denmark) would have hypothetically missed one quarter to one third of reactions detected by the NACDG screening series. Conclusions These results confirm that the epidemic of sensitivity to methylisothiazolinone previously documented in Europe is also occurring in North America. Patch testing with allergens beyond a standard screening tray is necessary for the complete evaluation of occupational and nonoccupational allergic contact dermatitis.

Management of Occupational Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is the most common occupational skin disorder, responsible for up to 30% of all cases of occupational disease in industrialized nations. Epidemiologic data suggest that contact dermatitis accounts for 90% to 95% of all cases of occupational skin disease, imposing considerable social and economic implications. Occupational contact dermatitis is broadly classified into allergic and irritant subtypes. Irritant contact dermatitis is widely quoted in the literature to account for 80% of occupational contact dermatitis cases, with allergic cases held responsible for the remaining 20%.

Nickel allergy in the United States: A public health issue in need of a “nickel directive”

To the Editor: Once thought to be rare in the pediatric population, allergic contact dermatitis is now recognized as a significant problem, and nickel has received much attention for being the most commonly sensitizing agent. Nickel sensitization among pediatric patients is well known, but recently it has become apparent that the prevalence is on the rise. The alarming frequency of sensitization to nickel—especially in women and children—led to nickel being named the 2008 ‘‘Allergen of the Year’’ by the American Contact Dermatitis Society. Galvanization eczema (nickel contact allergy) historically referred to the presentation of severe hand dermatitis in miners and electroplating manufacturers. Today, however, patients with nickel contact allergy present with a range of reactions, from localized dermatitis, classically located in the periumbilical area or on the earlobes (relating to repeated contact with clothing snaps and jewelry, respectively), to a severe and debilitating systemic dermatitis. Studies demonstrating that females are more frequently affected suggests a likely relationship with early age exposure to nickel during ear piercing practices. Nickel is ubiquitous in our environment, and exposure is difficult to prevent. Because it is durable and alloys easily with other metals, it is widely used, being present in many commonly encountered objects from zippers, paper clips, and belt buckles to jewelry, keys, and cell phones. In addition, higher plants extract nickel from the soil and use it as a cofactor in growth and metabolism. Food, therefore, is a source of environmental nickel exposure and can be of importance in the management of nickel allergic contact dermatitis. Some complementary and alternative remedies also contain high levels of nickel. Nickel can also be found in several multivitamins, including Centrum and One-a-Day Maximum, as well as in various generics such Rite Aid Whole Source Multivitamin and Kirkland Signature Daily Multivitamin. In addition, nickel and metal allergy may play a role in hypersensitivity reactions associated with endovascular, orthopedic, and dental devices, and dermatologists and allergists are increasingly being consulted about the risk of allergic reactions from inserting these devices. The ubiquitous presence of nickel and nickel-containing alloys in our environment makes frequent