Evaluation of patch testing in patients with chronic vulvar symptoms.

Abstract

The Dermogynaecology Clinic was established at the Mercy Hospital for Women in 1989. Since its inception, 700 patients have been investigated and 15% were clinically diagnosed as having contact dermatitis. Primary irritant dermatitis was regarded as the common cause but to investigate the place of contact allergy 50 patients were patch tested to a standard battery, medicaments, preservatives, corticosteroids and miscellaneous allergens. Twenty-one patients (42%) had a total of 44 positive tests. The most common positive reactions were to nickel (22%), cobalt (6%), fragrances (12%), caine mix (6%) and ethylenediamine (8%). Medicaments and fragrances were regarded as important allergens. Corticosteroid and imidazole allergy was not a problem in this series of patients.

• Authors: J A Brenan, G J Dennerstein, S F Sfameni, P Drinkwater, G Marin, J P Scurry
• Journal: The Australasian journal of dermatology (Australas J Dermatol) Vol. 37 Issue 1 Pg. 40-3 (Feb 1996) ISSN: 0004-8380 [Print] Australia
• PMID: 8936070 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Allergens

Topics

• Adult
• Allergens
• Chronic Disease
• Dermatitis, Allergic Contact (diagnosis, etiology, physiopathology, therapy)
• Evaluation Studies as Topic
• Female
• Humans
• Patch Tests
• Sensitivity and Specificity
• Vulvar Diseases (diagnosis, etiology, physiopathology, therapy)