Patch-test results of an academic department in Izmir, Turkey.

BACKGROUND

With the development of industry, the numbers of allergens are increasing, and the frequency of these allergens show variations from country to country. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the distribution of patch-test results by age, gender, and occupation in our region.

METHODS

In a retrospective study, the patch-test results of 3,017 patients were evaluated. The results were statistically examined by frequency of age, gender, and occupation. Chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used for statistical evaluation.

RESULTS

Of 3,017 patients, 1,975 (65.5%) were female and 1,042 (34.5%) were male. Their ages ranged from 5 to 85 years (mean, 40.38 +/-14.69 years). In 944 (31.3%) patients, at least one positive reaction to an allergen was observed. The allergens that most commonly caused positive reactions were nickel sulfate (12.2%), cobalt chloride (7.1%), potassium dichromate (5.6%), and balsam of Peru (2.8%). Balsam of Peru and nickel were the most common allergens in female patients older than 45 years and in female patients younger than 35 years, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Nickel sulfate and cobalt chloride were found to be the most common allergens. The most frequently seen allergens were nickel sulfate (in females) and fragrance (in males).