Background
Contact dermatitis affects up to 20% of the population. Patch testing for contact allergy may be needed to confirm the diagnosis. Objectives: To describe and discuss the
Conclusions
Data analysis at the local level is important to define preventive policies.
Methods
A cross-sectional analysis was performed on all skin test
Results
The sample was composed of 539 patch tests, of which 411 (76.2%) were from women. The age of the tested subjects ranged from 5 to 87 years. The prevalence of positive reactions in the patch tests was 391 (72.5%). The most prevalent positive reaction was to nickel sulfate (196; 36.4%), which had statistical significance when associated with female gender (p<0,001). Study limitations: Database obtained through secondary sources (the reports of the exams and the medical records), occurring the incomplete registration of some information. Conclusions: Data analysis at the local level is important to define preventive policies.