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Background: Methylisothiazolinone (MI) has caused an unprecedented epidemic of contact allergy in Europe and elsewhere. Subsequently, regulatory action has been taken, at least in Europe, aiming at reducing risk of MI sensitization. Objective: To follow‐up on the prevalence of contact allergy to MI in consecutively patch tested patients and assess the spectrum of products containing MI or methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI)/MI in patients positive to MI which elicited current allergic contact dermatitis. Methods: A cross‐sectional survey was performed in 2016 and 2017, including all adult patients patch tested with the baseline series (including MI 0.2% aq.) between 1 May and 31 October at 14 centres in 11 European countries. Patients with positive reactions (+ to +++) to MI were further examined regarding history, clinical characteristics and eliciting products, which were categorized into 34 types and 4 classes (leave‐on, rinse‐off, household, occupational). The results were compared with the reference year 2015. Results: A total of 317 patients, n = 202 of 4278 tested in 2016 (4.72%) and n = 115 of 3879 tested in 2017 (2.96%), had positive reactions to MI; the previous result from 2015 was 5.97% (P < 0.0001). The share of currently relevant contact allergy among all positive reactions declined significantly as well (P = 0.0032). Concerning product classes, a relative decline of leave‐on and a relative increase of rinse‐off and household products was noted. Conclusion: The prevalence of MI contact allergy decreased by 50% from 2015 to 2017. As a consequence of regulation, the share of cosmetics products (leave‐on in particular) eliciting allergic contact dermatitis is decreasing. The chosen method of analysing causative products in sensitized patients has proven useful to monitor effects of intervention. Linked article: J.‐M. Lachapelle. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2020; 34: 218. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.16174. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The members of the Task Force on Contact Dermatitis and the Task Force on Occupational Dermatoses of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV), of the European Dermatology Forum (EDF), and the members of the UEMS Section of Dermatology‐Venereology (UEMS‐EBDV) we want to vindicate the fundamental role that the specialist in Dermatology has in the diagnosis and management of Immuno‐mediated /allergic Diseases. Objective: In disagreement with the blueprint paper of the UEMS section of Allergology (2013), in which dermatologists are excluded from one of their core activities it was decided to write this consensus paper. Discussion: The skin occupies a crucial place in the broad spectrum of allergic diseases; there is no other organ with such a multitude of different clinical conditions mediated by so many pathogenetic immune mechanisms. Subsequently, dermatologists play a fundamental role in the management of immune‐mediated diseases including among others contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, urticaria and angioedema or cutaneous adverse drug, food and arthropod reactions. The essential role of dermatology in the diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive management of immune mediated /allergic diseases which is crucial for patient management is justified from both the academic and professional point of view. Conclusion: Based on the best care of the patient with cutaneous immune allergic disease a multidisciplinary approach is desirable and the dermatologist has a pivotal role in patient management. Be so good and no one will not ignore you, dermatologist. Ideally Dermatology should be governed according the following Henry Ford statement: "Arriving together is the beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Contact allergy is a common condition and can severely interfere with daily life or professional activities. Due to changes in exposures, such as introduction of new substances, new products or formulations and regulatory intervention, the spectrum of contact sensitization changes. Objective To evaluate the current spectrum of contact allergy to allergens present in the European baseline series ( EBS) across Europe. Methods Retrospective analysis of data collected by the European Surveillance System on Contact Allergies ( ESSCA, ) in consecutively patch-tested patients, 2013/14, in 46 departments in 12 European countries. Results Altogether, 31 689 patients were included in the analysis. Compared to a similar analysis in 2004, the prevalence of contact allergy to methylisothiazolinone went up to around 20% in several departments. In comparison, contact allergy to the metals nickel, cobalt and chromium remained largely stable, at 18.1%, 5.9% and 3.2%, respectively, similar to mostly unchanged prevalence with fragrance mix I, II and Myroxylon pereirae (balsam of Peru) at 7.3%, 3.8% and 5.3%, respectively. In the subgroup of departments diagnosing (mainly) patients with occupational contact dermatitis, the prevalence of work-related contact allergies such as epoxy resin or rubber additives was found to be increased, compared to general dermatology departments. Conclusion Continuous surveillance of contact allergy based on network data offers the identification of time trends or persisting problems, and thus enables focussing in-depth research (subgroup analyses, exposure analysis) on areas where it is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Allergic contact dermatitis caused by biocides is common and causes significant patient morbidity. Objective To describe the current frequency and pattern of patch test reactivity to biocide allergens included in the baseline series of most European countries. Methods Data collected by the European Surveillance System on Contact Allergies ( ESSCA) network between 2009 and 2012 from 12 European countries were analysed. Results Methylisothiazolinone 0.2% aq. produced the highest prevalence of sensitization during the study period, with an overall prevalence of 4.5%. The mixture methylchloroisothiazolinone /methylisothiazolinone tested at 0.02% aq. followed closely, with 4.1% of positive reactions. Other preservatives with lower rates of sensitization, but still over 1%, include methyldibromo glutaronitrile ( MDBGN) 0.5% pet. and iodopropynyl butylcarbamate ( IPBC) 0.2% pet. Formaldehyde releasers and parabens yielded less than 1% positive reactions during the study period. Some regional differences in the prevalence of contact allergy to biocides among European countries were observed. Conclusions Contact allergy to biocides is common throughout Europe, and regional differences could be explained by differences in exposure or characteristics of the population tested. Timely regulatory action for isothiazolinones is required. Although MDBGN is banned from cosmetics products since 2005, sensitization prevalence has not appeared to plateau. IPBC is an emerging allergen with an increasing prevalence over the last few years, and its inclusion in the European baseline series may be appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Lithuania, data on patch testing are lacking and the applicability of the European baseline series needs to be evaluated. The aim of the study was to examine the prevalence of contact allergy to the European baseline series in the population of patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis in Lithuania. Between April 2006 and October 2008, 816 consecutive adult patients referred to the Department of Skin and Venereal Diseases, Kaunas University of Medicine, with suspected allergic contact dermatitis were patch tested with the European baseline series. Demographic data were collected in accordance with the European Surveillance System on Contact Allergies 'minimal data set'. The positive patch test was observed in 384 (47.4%) patients. The most prevalent contact allergens were nickel sulphate (17.1%), Myroxylon pereirae resin (8.0%), p-phenylenediamine (6.0%), methyldibromo glutaronitrile (5.5%) and colophonium (5.0%). The sex and age factors strongly influenced the prevalence of nickel sensitization. The lowest sensitization prevalences were found to N-isopropyl- N′-phenyl- p-phenylene diamine (0.1%) and 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (0.1%). Differences in the sensitization prevalences to some allergens of the European baseline series compared with other European countries were recognized. The current European baseline series is a suitable diagnostic tool for contact allergy in Lithuania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Allergies to latex or ‘rubber chemicals’ in medical or other occupationally used gloves are not uncommon. In contrast, very few articles have reported on latex allergy (type I) or allergic contact sensitization to additives (type IV) associated with household gloves, in spite of some 44 million pairs sold in Germany in, e.g., 2006. Objective We seek to determine the frequency of allergies to household gloves by providing own data and we reviewed the literature. Methods The study was based on 105083 consultations of patients with suspected contact allergy (Type IV) in the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK) in Germany in the years 1995 to 2006 and on the PubMed databases (last access 7/2008). Results 1221 patients were identified in whom protective gloves were considered as a possible cause of contact dermatitis and who did not work in occupations associated with above average risk of contact allergy to rubber chemicals. In 178 cases positive reactions to rubber components were reported, while 13 additional cases reacted only to a previously used rubber glove brand, but not to commercial allergens. In the literature only two publications on type I and two on type IV reactions were found in which allergies to rubber household gloves were explicitly reported. Conclusions Allergies to rubber household gloves seem to be rare. Factors presumably counteracting contact sensitization by household gloves, compared to occupational use, comprise short intermediate use, loose fitting and the incorporation of e.g. an inner cotton surface reducing skin contact with rubber chemicals. Conflict of interest Ehrhardt Proksch has acted as consultant to Wirtschaftsverband der deutschen Kautschukindustrie e.V. (WDK). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Rosacea is a relatively common inflammatory skin disease of unknown prevalence. The proportion of contact allergy complicating rosacea and its therapy, respectively, is largely unknown. Objective To estimate the prevalence of specific contact allergy in rosacea patients and to compare this with the prevalence observed in the general population and in general patch test patients. Patients/methods In this prospective monocentre study, 78 patients with rosacea were investigated for contact sensitizations via patch testing the standard series, constituents of topical formulations, preservatives, fragrances, topically applied drugs and, if available, patient's own products. Results Positive reactions occurred to nickel (II) sulphate (12 of 78, 15.4%), fragrance mix I (4 of 77, 5.2%), balsam of Peru (8 of 77, 10.4%; significantly elevated prevalence compared to that observed in the population-based KORA study), potassium dichromate (4 of 78, 5.1%) and Lyral (3 of 78, 3.8%). Regarding topical antibiotics, only 1 of 78 (1.3%) patients was positive to neomycin sulphate, and none to metronidazole; however, 6 of 75 (8%) patients were positive to gentamicin sulphate, and 4 of 76 (5.3%) patients were positive to framycetin sulphate. No allergic but irritant patch test reactions, instead, were provoked by various patients’ own products as well as by the irritant sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) even in low concentrations. Conclusion Despite the limited power of the study, a strikingly high prevalence of contact allergy to gentamicin sulphate was observed, which is probably due to antibiotic treatment of rosacea-associated eye symptoms. The reactions to the irritant SLS probably mirror the extreme skin sensitivity in rosacea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contact allergy to methyldibromo glutaronitrile (MDBGN), often combined with phenoxyethanol (PE) (e.g., Euxyl K 400®), increased throughout the 1990s in Europe. Consequently, in 2003, the European Commission banned its use in leave-on products, where its use concentration was considered too high and the non-sensitizing use concentration as yet unknown. The 2 objectives of the study are (a) to find a maximum non-eliciting concentration in a leave-on product in MDBGN/PE-sensitized patients, which could possibly also be considered safe regarding induction and (b) to find the best patch test concentration for MDBGN. We, therefore, performed a use-related test (ROAT) in patients sensitized to MDBGN/PE (n = 39) with 3 concentrations of MDBGN/PE (50, 100 and 250 p.p.m. MDBGN, respectively). A subset of these patients (n = 24) was later patch-tested with various concentrations (0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.5% MDBGN, respectively). 15 patients (38%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 23–55%) had a negative and 24 (62%; 95% CI = 45–77%) a positive overall repeated open application test (ROAT) result. 13 reacted to the lowest (50 p.p.m.), 8 to the middle (100 p.p.m.) and 3 to the highest concentration (250 p.p.m.) only. In those 13 reacting to the lowest ROAT concentration, dermatitis developed within a few days (1–7). The strength of the initial and the confirmatory patch test result, respectively, and the outcome of the ROAT were positively associated. Of the 24 patients with a use and confirmatory patch test, 15 reacted to 0.1% MDBGN, 16 to 0.2%, 17 to 0.3% and 22 to 0.5%. With the patch test concentration of 0.5%, the number of ROAT-negative patients but patch-test-positive patients increases considerably, particularly due to+ reactions. A maximum sensitivity of 94% (95% CI = 70–100%) is reached with a patch test concentration of 0.2%, and is not further improved by increasing the concentration. However, the specificity decreases dramatically from 88 (95% CI = 47–100%) with 0.2% to a mere 12.5% (95% CI = 0–53%) with 0.5%. It can be concluded (a) that for MDBGN 0.2% is very likely the best patch test concentration and (b) that 50 p.p.m. in a leave-on product can elicit contact dermatitis in sensitized persons. We were, therefore, unable to find a safe, still microbicidal, concentration for leave-on products. By contrast, with other contact allergens, dose–response use tests may be able to identify a non-eliciting concentration, which could give valuable clues to a non-inducing (i.e., safe) concentration in products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of contact allergy in rosacea has rarely been investigated. In this retrospective study, 361 out of 76 697 patients tested and documented by the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology between 1995 and 2002 had rosacea. Patch tests included standard series and constituents of cosmetics and topical medicaments. 118/361 had additionally been patch tested with their own cosmetics/medicaments. Positive reactions occurred to nickel (II) sulfate in 9.3%, fragrance mix in 8.8%, thimerosal in 6.9%, Myroxylon pereirae resin in 5.9%, potassium dichromate in 4.6% and propolis in 2.8%. Whereas rosacea patients had a significantly higher risk of contact allergy to propolis compared to the remaining patients, in an age- and sex-adjusted analysis, contact allergy to nickel was significantly less frequent in this group. For Lyral®, the risk was elevated, albeit not significantly. Only 2/329 patients were positive to neomycin sulfate and 1/100 to gentamicin sulfate, among the panel of (topical) antibiotics tested. Among 118 patients tested with their own products, 3 were tested to metronidazole, 1 reacting positively. Irritant or doubtful patch test reactions were provoked by various substances (vehicles, oxidants and preservatives of various creams), which might also be clinically important, considering the heightened sensitivity of rosaceous skin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several contact allergens are tested at concentrations which might cause irritant reactions. In this study we investigated whether the reactivity to a standard irritant is useful in identifying subjects with hyperreactive skin yielding a higher rate of doubtful or irritant reactions. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) 0.5% (aqua) was tested in addition to the standard series routinely for 5 years in the Department of Dermatology, Dortmund. For data analysis, we compared reactions at D3 to the standard series, the vehicle/emulsifier and preservative series and benzoyl peroxide to the reactions obtained with SLS. Proportions were standardized for age and sex. The association between reactivity to a certain allergen and SLS reactivity as a dichotomous outcome, controlled for age and sex as potential confounders, was assessed with logistic regression analysis. Results showed that of the 1600 tested patients, 668 (41.8%) had an irritant reaction to SLS which exceeded 2 + in only 41 patients. Seasonal variation was statistically significant, showing reduced SLS reactivity in summer vs. winter. Patients with irritant reactions to SLS showed significantly more erythematous reactions to the following 10 allergens of the standard series: fragrance mix, cobalt chloride, balsam of Peru (Myroxylon pereirae), lanolin alcohol, 4-phenylenediamine base (PPD), propolis, formaldehyde, N -isopropyl-N ′-phenyl-p -phenylenediamine (IPPD), benzocaine, and 4-tert -butylphenol-formaldehyde resin. No significant differences regarding strong positive allergic reactions were observed. Concerning other allergens, significantly more erythematous reactions were observed in SLS-reactive patients to benzoyl peroxide, octyl gallate, cocamidopropyl betaine, Amerchol L-101, tert -butylhydroquinone, and triethanolamine. In the SLS-reactive group of patients, the reaction index was negative for 10 allergens of the standard series compared to only 5 in the SLS non-responder group. For the first... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To quantify the independent impact of potential risk factors for nickel contact allergy (NCA), a multifactorial Poisson regression analysis of standardized anamnestic and patch test data (with nickel sulfate, 5% in petrolatum) was performed, comprising 74 940 patients assessed in the 33 German and Austrian contact dermatitis units of the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK) between 1992 and 2000. NCA was observed in 15.5% patients. Female sex was the strongest risk factor (prevalence ratio 3.74, 95% CI: 3.51–3.98). Risk increased monotonically and significantly with decreasing age. Atopic dermatitis was not a risk factor. The year of patch test had no influence on NCA risk. Significant variation of risk between occupations was observed. In conclusion, our multifactorial analysis was able to quantify the impact of established risk factors and additionally address other, e.g. occupational, factors yet unidentified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Allergic contact sensitization to ‘para amino’ compounds is frequent and the spectrum of cross-reactivity between members of this chemical group is variable. Methods: A retrospective analysis of clinical patch test data obtained with a special test series in the centres of the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK) between 1995 and 1999. Results: In the 638 patients tested with the above test panel positive reactions were observed most often to p- aminoazobenzene (16.2%), p- phenylenediamine (14.1%), p- toluylenediamine (10.0%), followed by 4,4′-diaminodiphenylmethane (8.5%), Disperse Orange 3 (8.4%) and p- aminophenol (3.1%). Among the 544 patients tested with p- phenylenediamine and all seven additional ‘para amino’ compounds, concordance between reactions varied greatly. The stronger the positive test reaction to p- phenylenediamine, p- toluylenediamine or p- aminoazobenzene, the more frequently additional positive reactions to the other compounds were observed. Conclusions: A screening employing several ‘para amino’ compounds is necessary to describe the individual spectrum of allergic contact sensitization, as there is no reliable marker substance. Further research should aim at (i) establishing the mechanism of cross-reactivity to ‘para amino’ compounds and (ii) identifying exposures in the environment. Background: Allergic contact sensitization to ‘para amino’ compounds is frequent and the spectrum of cross-reactivity between members of this chemical group is variable. Methods: A retrospective analysis of clinical patch test data obtained with a special test series in the centres of the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK) between 1995 and 1999. Results: In the 638 patients tested with the above test panel positive reactions were observed most often to p- aminoazobenzene (16.2%), p- phenylenediamine (14.1%), p- toluylenediamine... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates the seasonal variability of patch test results in contact dermatitis. Influence of irritant reactions on the variability; Surveillance data on seasonal variations from the German Information Network of Departments of Dermatology; Association between allergen reactivity and environmental factors.

There is conflicting evidence concerning predictors of individual susceptibility to develop irritant contact dermatitis in wet work. A cohort of initially 92 hairdresser apprentices was prospectively followed for 3 years. The association between anamnestic and clinical findings, and multiparametric skin bioengineering data (transepidermal water loss [TEWL], microcirculation, capacitance, pH, sebum, temperature) was investigated. The observation intervals were 3 months in the 1st year of training and 12 months thereafter. Of the 92 apprentices, 6 had already developed hand dermatitis on 1st examination, 20 dropped out or had occupational exposure longer than 7 weeks prior to investigation. Of the remaining 66 participants considered here, 19 (29%) developed moderate or severe dermatitis (“cases”), 32 minimal skin changes, 15 none within the observation period. Average incidence rate of hand dermatitis was 21.1 cases per 100 person years. Atopy score was not associated with the development of dermatitis, nor were the investigated basal bioengineering parameters, including TEWL, in a multivariable model. However, there was a significant increase in TEWL within the 1st year of training in presumptive “cases”. The aim to develop an objective and predictive instrumentary for pre-employment counselling in wet work, by a combination of (a) clinical and (b) relevant non-invasive bioengineering parameters, has not yet been accomplished. Skin-provocation tests employing bioengineering seem to be required. Notwithstanding, work-related monitoring of basal biophysical skin-functions may become useful in the secondary prevention of occupational dermatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensitization rates to contact allergens vary between centers and are influenced by sex and age. Eliminating the latter 2 factors by standardization of data by age and sex, the present analysis adresses possible differences between centers remaining after elimination of these confounders and analyzes other factors which might influence rates e.g., the MOAHL index. Overall standardized rates were well within the range reported in previous studies and may be regarded as representing the rates were well within the range reported in previous studies and my be regarded as representing the rates of the "patch test population" in Central Europe (e.g., nickel sulfate 12.9% of fragrance mix 10.5%,balsam of Peru 7.3%, thimerosal 5.6%). For this analysis data of those departments which contributed more than 2000 patients, or of those with extreme proportions concerning sex, age and occupational cases were selected. Patients from these 10 departments differed considerably with regard to the items of the MOAHL index and with regard to standarized rates. The items of the MOAHL index proved to be suitable for describing different patch test populations and for explaining some differences between centers. Only 'atopic dermatitis' seems to have little influence on (standardized ) rate. Face dermatitis is not yet represented in the MOAHL index, but should be included, together with age >40 years in an extended index (acronym: MOAHLFA). Regional allergen exposure (with striking differences between East Germany, West Germany and to a lesser extent. In addition, sociological factors may influence sensitization rates, which is exemplified by high rates of nickel allergy in a socially defined subgroup. Future studies should focus on these factors as well as on factors concerning patch test practices and quality control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor in response to "Both mercaptobenzothiazole and mercapto mix should be part of the standard series", by Diepgen T L and his colleagues, published in vol 55 of 2006, is presented.

The author reflects on the scarcity of epidemiological studies focusing on the burden of contact allergy on the population level and recognizes the publication of results from the industry-sponsored EDEN study conducted from 2008 to 2011 in 5 European countries. He references the article "Prevalence of fragrance contact allergy in the general population of five European countries: a cross-sectional study" by TL Diepgen and colleagues which appeared within the issue.

This article focuses on the use of phenylmercuric acetate (PMA) in patch testing for contact dermatitis. PMA has been used as a preservative in eyedrops, as disinfectant, as a paint preservative, formerly as fungicide in agriculture and possibly as fungicide in leather processing. Contact allergy to PMA has been reported. However, the diagnostic quality of the patch test preparation, PMA 0.05% pet., is not satisfying. The German Contact Dermatitis Research Group conducted a multicentre study in order to find out whether the irritancy of the PMA patch test preparation can be diminished by reducing the test concentration. PMA 0.05% pet. caused positive reactions in 121 patients and doubtful or irritant reactions occurred in 125 patients.

This article presents a case report of a 60-year-old man, who on after repeated long-term electrocardiography-monitoring, developed a pruritic eruption at the sites of the self-adhesive electrodes. Before application of electrodes, body hair was shaved with single-use razors at the sites, which the patient had continued to do. Physical examination revealed multiple follicular papules, many excoriated and well-defined erythmatous scaly patches, with little inflitration on the chest. A serial dilution and a blind repeated open application test with water as control in the other antecubital fossa, were performed.