Background: The diagnostic tool to detect allergic contact sensitization is patch testing.
Objective: Results of patch testing performed from January 1998 to December 2006 at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) are analyzed and compared to our 1990-1997 data as well as to data from North American and European contact dermatitis societies.
Methods: Data were collected from retrospective chart reviews and analyzed, focusing on the Hermal standard tray.
Results: The most common sensitizers were fragrance mix (18.3%) and nickel (16.7%). Significant increases over time were seen for balsam of Peru (p < .0005; CI, 1.34-2.76) and wool alcohols (p = .002; CI, 1.38-4.38) while gender-related statistical predominance was seen for nickel in females (p < .0005; CI, 2.92-8.20) and for epoxy resin in males (p < .0005; CI, 0.14-0.58). Our findings are similar to those of the North American and European contact dermatitis societies. The retrospective study sample was drawn from a selected group of referred patients that may not be representative of the general population. Analysis of data focused on the Hermal standard tray and might not reflect trends resulting from additional allergens in supplemental trays.
Conclusion: Sensitization rates and the most important allergens at MGH have been stable over the past 17 years.