Publication:

Evaluation of the role of patch test in endogenous eczemas

Background Endogenous eczemas have a significant effect on quality of life of patients and is a huge burden on healthcare. There is evidence that external factors play an important role in endogenous eczemas. The study was conducted to evaluate the role of patch test in endogenous eczemas and to identify any causal or aggravating allergen, the avoidance of which could augment response to standard therapy and prevent relapse.

Methods Four groups of 27 patients each, with clinical diagnosis of one of the major endogenous eczema namely, Atopic dermatitis, nummular eczema, pompholyx and seborrhoeic dermatitis satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study. Demographic and clinical details were recorded and were patch tested with the Indian standard patch test battery. Dermatology life quality index (DLQI or children’s DLQI) was used at the presentation and after 03 months to assist in assessing the subjective improvement after avoidance of the agents incriminated by the patch test.

Results Of the 108 study participants, 61 (56.5%) patients had one or more positive results in the study, with maximum 21 (77.8%) in pompholyx and minimum of only 10 (37%) in patients of seborrhoeic dermatitis group. About, 36 (33.3%) patients had no change and 05 (4.6%) had worsening of their eczema.

Conclusions We found positive outcome in the form of clinical improvement or cure following the avoidance of allergens implicated by patch testing. This study recommends inclusion of patch test in the management protocol of endogenous eczemas.