Abstract
BACKGROUND: Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a delayed type of induced sensitivity (allergy) resulting from cutaneous contact with a specific allergen to which the patient has developed a specific sensitivity. This allergic reaction causes inflammation of the skin manifested by varying degrees of erythema, edema, and vesiculation. In this study, the socio-demographic characteristics, patch test were evaluated in treated patients diagnosed with Allergic contact dermatitis METHODS: The study was conducted in Antalya between 10th of November 2010 and 20th of July 2011. A questionnaire made by the investigators taking the latest literature data into consideration were used during the study. The total IgE levels were made by fluoroenzyme immunoassay method via use of ImmunoCAP kit for patch test was used. The statistical data derived were evaluated by using 14.00 SPSS software. Ki-Square test and percent ratios were used for data analysis. A P value less than 0.05 was assumed for statistical significance. RESULTS: During the study 457 patients (211 male, 246 female) were included. Among patients 52% belonged to 40 to 49 years age group, and 29% had University degree graduate. The total duration of the ACD was 10.11 ± 3. 45 years. The total Ig E level was 112.6 ± 10.2 Ku/L. The most common allergen was nickel, and fragrances. In this study, Allergic contact dermatitis is more common in women than in men. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 25 chemicals appear to be responsible for as many as one half of all cases of allergic contact dermatitis. These include nickel, preservatives, dyes, and fragrances. in this study Allergic contact dermatitis is more common in women than in men. This predominantly is a result of allergy to nickel, which is much more common in women than in men in most countries. In elderly individuals, the development of allergic contact dermatitis may be delayed somewhat, but the dermatitis may be more persistent once developed. Individuals may develop new allergies.