Patch test results with the metalworking fluid series of the German Contact Dermatitis Research Group (DKG).

Based on the information of the interdisciplinary task force on allergy diagnostics in the metal branch, in 2001, the German Contact Dermatitis Research Group (DKG) compiled two metalworking fluid (MWF) test series with currently and previously used components, respectively. After 2 years of patch testing, we present results obtained with these series, based on data of the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK). 251 metalworkers who were patch tested because of suspected MWF dermatitis in 2002 and 2003 were included in this retrospective data analysis. Of these, 206 were tested with the current MWF series and 155 with the historical MWF series. Among the current MWF allerg…

S3 Guidelines: Epicutaneous patch testing with contact allergens and drugs – Short version, Part 2

Epicutaneous patch testing is the diagnostic standard for the detection of allergic contact dermatitis. The present guidelines are aimed at residents and board-certified physicians in the fields of dermatology and allergology as well as other medical specialties involved in establishing the indication for patch testing and its execution in patients with contact dermatitis and other forms of delayed-type hypersensitivity. The target audience also includes other health care providers and insurance funds. Based on a systematic literature search and a formal consensus process (S3), the guidelines were developed by dermatologists in collaboration with pediatricians, occupational medicine physici…

The concentration of para-phenylenediamine (PPD) for routine patch testing in a standard series needs to be redefined

Patch testing in children--recommendations of the German Contact Dermatitis Research Group (DKG).

Summary Allergic contact dermatitis occurs frequently in children. Patch testing is needed to identify the responsible allergens and should be performed in children. We recommend a panel of 12 contact allergens as a standard series in children from 6–12 years. Four additional contact allergens should be tested in case of a positive history or suggestive clinical picture. For patch testing in children, the allergens should be applied for 24 hours and the readings should be performed at 48 and 72 hours. Standardized patch testing makes it possible to systematically investigate allergic contact dermatitis and identify relevant allergens in children.

Very late reactions in the patch test with fragrance mix I and oak moss absolute (Evernia prunastri, INCI): Data of the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK).

Patch testing with components of water-based metalworking fluids

Water-based metalworking fluids (MWFs) may cause both irritant and allergic contact dermatitis. Several well-known MWF allergens are available for patch testing, but considering the wide variety of possible components used in MWF, our diagnostic arsenal covers only a small part of potential allergens. We therefore selected 13 frequently used MWF components that might be sensitizers and had not yet been tested routinely. In 5 centres, 233 dermatitis patients with present or past occupational exposure to MWF were patch tested with this and other panels. Only 7 patients showed positive reactions to the study panel. Allergic reactions to the emulsifier diglycolamine [syn. 2-(2-aminoethoxy) etha…

S3 guidelines: Epicutaneous patch testing with contact allergens and drugs – Short version, Part 1

Epicutaneous patch testing is the diagnostic standard for the detection of allergic contact dermatitis. The present guidelines are aimed at residents and board-certified physicians in the fields of dermatology and allergology as well as other medical specialties involved in establishing the indication for patch testing and its execution in patients with contact dermatitis and other forms of delayed-type hypersensitivity. The target audience also includes other health care providers and insurance funds. Based on a systematic literature search and a formal consensus process (S3), the guidelines were developed by dermatologists in collaboration with pediatricians, occupational medicine physici…