Publication:

Impact of weather conditions on the results of patch tests in the Tunisian central region

Background Several factors can influence the results of patch-tests (PT) such as individual and external factors especially climate ones. The aim of the study was to study the impact of meteorological parameters on patch-tests results.

Methods This is a retrospective epidemiological study which concerned all patients of the Tunisian center, who consulted in the Dermato-Allergology Unit of Occupational Medicine Department of Farhat Hached University Hospital-Sousse (Tunisia) over a period of 5 years. All patients were tested by the European Standard Battery allergens (BSE). The eight allergens, most frequently encountered during the study period, were analyzed.Correlation and regression tests were used to calculate the relation of the patch-tests results with temperature and absolute humidity.

Results During the study period, 5560 patch-tests were analyzed. The results of these patch- tests for most allergens were not significantly influenced by external weather conditions. However, the irritant reactions for cobalt and colophony increased with the cold and dry climate. Some positive reactions to thiuram mix, cobalt and nickel were more frequent with humidity.

Conclusions The results of this current study support those of the literature. The majority of reactions to patch- tests didn’t seem to be influenced by weather conditions.