The photopatch test procedure of the German, Austrian, and Swiss photopatch test group.

In 1984 the German, Austrian, and Swiss photopatch test group was established to investigate photoallergic reactions as well as the epidemiology of photoallergy in central Europe. Therefore, the photopatch test procedure was defined and photopatch test data of 3998 patients were evaluated after two test periods from 1984 to 1990 and from 1991 to 1997. In summary, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, disinfectants, phenothiazines as well as sunscreens were found to be relevant photoallergens in central Europe. Based on the study results and guided by contemporaneously published clinical findings, the German, Austrian, and Swiss photopatch test group released in the year 2000 an optimized photopatch test tray, including a block of 19 photosensitizers, ranging from some historical to newly reported photosensitizers. This standard set is complemented by an optional photopatch test set, indicated only in special cases.