Patch test practices and perceptions of Chinese dermatologists: results of a cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND

Patch testing is the most valuable tool for diagnosing allergic contact dermatitis. Whereas previous surveys have evaluated patch test practices and perceptions of dermatologists worldwide, no such information is available relating to Chinese dermatologists.

OBJECTIVES

We surveyed Chinese dermatologists by using questionnaires to investigate their patch test practices and the prevalence of patch testing.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey of Chinese dermatologists was conducted at the National Congress of Dermatology in December 2006.

RESULTS

Of the 1116 questionnaires distributed, 1089 (97.6%) were returned. Eighty-six per cent of dermatologists reported performing patch testing. Dermatologists from regional hospitals were significantly more likely to perform patch testing (p < 0.001). The majority (80.8%) used the baseline (standard) allergen series made in China. Eighty-seven per cent of testers performed only a single patch test reading. The dermatologists' perceptions of the patch test indicated that 43.1% of the respondents thought that patch testing could be used to diagnose irritant contact dermatitis, and only 30.3% of the respondents made the correct choice when asked to read a patch test reaction.

CONCLUSIONS

Patch testing is widespread among Chinese dermatologists, but further improvement and education regarding the procedure is required.