Photo‐patch and patch tests in patients with dermatitis over the photo‐exposed areas: A study of 101 cases from a tertiary care centre in India. (10th June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sharma, Vinod Kumar; Bhari, Neetu; Wadhwani, Ashok Roopchand; Bhatia, Riti
• Is Part Of: Australasian journal of dermatology. Volume 59:Number 1(2018)
• Page Start: e1
• Page End: e5
• Publication Date: 2016-06-10
• Subjects: chronic actinic dermatitis -- dermatitis over photo‐exposed areas -- patch test -- photo‐patch test; Dermatology -- Periodicals; Dermatology -- Australasia -- Periodicals; 616.5005
• DOI: 10.1111/ajd.12504
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0004-8380

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Many patients with dermatitis over photo‐exposed body areas are positive to many contact allergens and have a pre‐existing allergic contact dermatitis. Methods: This study included patients who presented to a tertiary centre in India with dermatitis on photo‐exposed body areas suspected of chronic actinic dermatitis. Their detailed histories were recorded and cutaneous and systemic examinations were performed. Patch testing was done in all the patients and photo‐patch testing was carried out in 86 patients. Results: Altogether 101 patients were included (69 males, 32 females). The most common presentation was lichenified hyperpigmented plaques on the photo‐exposed sites. Photosensitivity was recorded in 64 (63%) patients and summer exacerbation in 52 (52%). Exposure to the Parthenium hysterophorus weed was recorded in 70 (69%) patients, 27 (26.7%) had a history of hair dye application and 20 (20%) had a history of atopy. Photo‐patch test was positive in 11 (12.8%) patients and patch testing was positive in 71 (70%). Parthenium hysterophorus was the most common allergen implicated and was positive in three (4%) photo‐patch and 52 (52%) patch tests. Other positive photo‐patch test allergens were perfume mix, balsam of Peru, thiuram mix, Compositae mix and promethazine hydrochloride. Other common patch test allergens were parthenolide, colophony, fragrance mix and p‐phenylenediamine (PPD) base. Conclusion: In the Indian population parthenium and perfume mix are the most common photoallergens in patients with dermatitis over photo‐exposed areas, while parthenium, colophony, fragrance mix and PPD are the common positive allergens.